Return to flip book view
November 2021 Sparta Bell Ringer Inside Why You Should Shop Sparta this Christmas Season Did you know that for every 100 spent at local businesses 48 is put back into the local economy Shopping local is important for the vibrancy of our community and what better place to stop local than in Sparta With over ten new locally owned businesses opening in the past two years Sparta offers a wide variety of retail to meet your Christmas shopping needs Whether you re buying a gift card from a local restaurant browsing the new incubator shops in Sparta Town Square or shopping the fabulous retail in the Sparta area know that every dollar you spend locally is an investment in our community When you buy from a small business you re not helping a CEO buy a third holiday home You are helping a little girl get dance lessons a little boy get his team jersey or a mom and dad put food on the table Please visit www spartachamber com sparta chamber business listing to see what Sparta has to offer We hope you decide to support our community this Christmas season Did You Check in During ArtPrize Sparta ArtPrize winner Robert Shangle was a part of ArtPrize once again with his piece Checking Inn He said in 2020 everyone was checked out but now that restrictions have been lifted Shangle has been able to get back to reality For ArtPrize this year Shangle was a friendly optimistic bellhop who checked people into ArtPrize and the Canopy by Hilton IN THIS ISSUE Page x Page x xxx xxx Page x Page x xxx xxx Page x Page x xxx xxx ECRWSS Postal Customer PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS MI Permit 214
2 November 2021 SpartaToday RED HOT BUYS VALID NOV 1 30 155 E Division St Sparta MI 616 887 7381 Open M F 8am 7pm and Saturday 8am 5pm closed Sunday Buy online same day pick up
SpartaToday 3 November 2021w The Story Of How The Incubators Came To Be In Sparta Sparta Town Square is an award winning proven approach that enables local entrepreneurs to start their businesses without the expenses associated with opening a storefront The idea was born a few years ago when the Downtown Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce wanted to find a way to empower local businesses and bridge the gap between residents and retail After much planning skepticism and trial and error the Sparta Town Square Small Business Incubator Program officially launched in the summer of 2020 Since then we ve been able to host nine different businesses including retailers selling home and garden boutique clothing and local crafts as well as food establishments offering lunch dinner and baked treats This program has been successful not only in helping local entrepreneurs start their businesses but also in bridging the gap between our residents and businesses Sparta Town Square is more than a place to shop it is a place for the community to gather eat laugh and make memories Located in Arches Parking Lot next door to Nash Creek and the 201 Marketplace building Sparta Town Square has been a successful endeavor for our community The space is complemented by a variety of seating including chairs tables and benches overlooking Nash Creek with warmlit bonfires in the colder months There is a public restroom on site as well as easy access to amenities like Balyeat Field and Downtown Sparta Sparta town square is open from 11 00 AM to 7 00 PM Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Friday as Moving Up Of Two Incubators Into Bricks And Mortars The Success Of The Incubators Since we launched the Sparta Town Square Small Business Incubator Program in the summer of 2020 we ve hosted nine small businesses with two relocating into brickand mortars locations in Sparta The businesses The Wild Bee and Lemon Lola Boutique started in our incubator program and are now hatching into permanent locations The purpose of the program is to help local entrepreneurs launch their small businesses without the costly expenses of a storefront We could not be more proud of our local businesses as their success is our success The Wild Bee has a unique selection of hand crafted goods home d cor and garden supplies Treat yourself to locally made jam and honey or spruce up your home and garden at the Wild Bee Lemon Lola Boutique sells trendy stylish affordable clothing accessories Give your wardrobe a makeover this winter at Lemon Lola well as 10 00 AM to 3 00 PM on Saturdays We also have extended hours during Sparta Spring Carnival and Sidewalk Sales Sparta Town Country Days Michigan Applefest Shop Sparta and other special events as planned Business hours are flexible during January February and March If you are interested in learning more about the program the start up costs and how to apply please email chambersparta gmail com Be sure to include any photos and or website links that showcase your business We can t wait to meet you All pre arrangements paid in full are accepted here your family will receive a rebate when transfering to our funeral home 616 785 3863 www BeuschelFuneralHome com 5018 Alpine Ave Comstock Park MI Family owned and where you are treated like family 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trail BoSS the next century of chevy trucks Starts Here Just 10 Money Saving Minutes From Grand Rapids Your Hometown HeavY DutY truck Store you ll love the way we do business 616 887 1791 Corner of M 37 Sparta Ave www spartachevy com
4 November 2021 SpartaToday Candy Cane Lane volunteers from Independent Bank Candy Cane Lane is such a beautiful part of Christmas in Sparta and we have volunteers at Independent Bank to thank for that The ladies joined up with some of the village workers to volunteer to restring lights and help get Candy Cane Lane ready to be lit by the Shop Sparta event All of the hours of work will be worth it when Candy Cane Lane is all aglow starting November 19 Thank you Independent Bank Why Sparta Bucks Are a Great Gift Idea Value for Our Community Do you have someone in your life that is impossible to shop for If so this can make the holidays a stressful time This Christmas spare the anxiety and give your loved ones Sparta Bucks Sparta Bucks are a community currency like a gift certificate that can be used at a variety of businesses that participate with the Chamber When you purchase and spend Sparta Bucks consider it as an investment in our local businesses and community Sparta Bucks can be spent at over twenty local businesses in Sparta making them the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family Support some of your favorite local stores like Wing World Creekside Clover Stony Ridge Vineyards Sweets 4 Days and many more To view a list of participating stores and purchase Sparta Bucks go to https www spartachamber com sparta bucks Our regular buy 20 get 5 free is still going strong and you can take advantage of those free bucks any time Happy shopping 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 Equipment Rentals Sales 81 N State St Sparta MI 616 383 1080 231 834 7368 DECORATO RS OLE C I E NC V DA 316 S Maple M 37 Grant COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL PAINTING WALLCOVERING Hotels Hospitals Schools Factories Churches Offices 325 Martindale St Sparta 616 887 9465 www dcd inc com We are proudly Celebrating our 75th year of business 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 1 00pm
SpartaToday 5 November 2021w 2021 STHC Notables Recognition The Sparta Township Historical Commission is very excited to announce the selection of the 2021 class of Sparta Notables Begun in 2014 the Notables initiative is designed to recognize and honor Sparta area residents past and present who have distinguished themselves in various endeavors This year s Notables include individuals with achievements in a wide variety of fields After careful consideration the commission is pleased to announce the following honorees this year John Paul Sharkey Badgerow Military Business and Special Town Character Norma Chapman Community Philanthropist Delton Parks Business Leader including Country Fresh Dairy Gaye Ebers Finance Warren Schut Business and Civic Leader Denny Wolters Voice of the Sparta Spartans Ahmed Fareed National Sportscaster Tom Cheslek Business and Community Service A special recognition reception will be held for the public at the Sparta Civic Center on November 6 from 2 to 4 pm when their accomplishments will be acknowledged Refreshments will be served Illuminaries in Sparta Every year for the past 35 years a Sparta neighborhood has worked together to put out Luminaria candles on Christmas Eve Every year many residents drive through the Harper Dr Terrace Dr Rogers Ct and Elmwood neighborhoods to enjoy the lovely display at dusk and all through the evening The Luminaria candles are a southwest tradition symbolizing lighting the way for the Christ child on Christmas Eve The luminaria candles are placed in bags and then they are lighted and glow bravely through the night Only one year has the display been rained out At dusk you will see the neighborhood residents out just when it begins to get dark lighting their candles also greeting and helping their neighbors light their candles Spectators begin to arrive at dusk cars bumper to bumper with their lights on dim The procession continues well past midnight when many come after their church s Christmas Eve services This year the neighborhood candle lighting ceremony will continue as a reminder to all that the Christmas luminaria display can once again be enjoyed by our Sparta residents Many homes in the neighborhood have changed ownership over the years but every new resident has been willing to join in This year there was some question as to whether or not the candles would be available but the Sparta Ace Hardware owner Ross Martin was able to provide them at cost A big thank you goes out to him for his willingness to help out a Sparta tradition
6 November 2021 SpartaToday Sparta Equestrian Team Captures Districts By Ella Emmons SPARTAN JOURNALISM Articles written by Sparta High School Students Sparta Student Journalism Returns Ann Marie Brower Equestrian Thanks to Coaches Julie Scheidel and Allison Klein the Sparta Equestrian Team is now District Reserve Champs The team fought hard all season with three C team riders Amelia Andrus Jada Lashuay and Ann Marie Brower All three riders have placed in the top five in each of their events despite some tough area competition In the last event the high point rider was Jada Lashuay and the reserve high point rider was Amelia Andrus Coaches and players alike were pleased with the outstanding effort All of the girls did great over the weekend I m very excited to travel to regionals Coach Julie Schiedel said We re all doing super good Coach Andrus added By Olivia Alt Sparta student journalism is back for 2021 in large part due to the efforts of Principal Stacey Rumsey Journalism as a course offering at Sparta High School was put on hiatus for multiple years due to extenuating circumstances however venerable instructor Mr Roark is leading a new crop of writers who will be covering a host of topics for the school newspaper yearbook and multiple community publications An elective class like this one allows students to use their creativity It also allows them real life experiences and a chance to be a part of a working team Write good copy is something Mr Roark says often He believes that the ability to communicate is a valuable skill to possess There is a group of student writers ready to take journalism into the modern era Clubs Return to Sparta High School By Emily S Erb After the covid 19 hiatus clubs have finally returned to Sparta High School thanks to the efforts of staff The school is offering physical clubs and social clubs such as Men s Volleyball and The Diversity Club We start at nine weeks of school during focus history teacher and Diversity Club Sponsor Ms Naill said These are unique opportunities for students to interact with other students and stretch themselves in new and challenging ways Please contact the Sparta High School main office or the athletic office if you or your student are interested in any of the following Diversity Club Chess Club Esports Hockey Boys Volleyball Equestrian Craft Club Boys Rugby Girls Rugby TV 8 Football Frenzy TV 8 Football Frenzy Tailgate Food Drive By Abigail Monarrez Sparta High School Senior On September 10 2021 Sparta students had the amazing opportunity to be streamed live on News TV 8 in Grand Rapids Sparta students were dressed in USA themed outfits for the five o clock start of the program Non perishable food from this fundraiser went back out to the community to local pantries for those in need For every five items donated students could earn one raffle ticket to have a chance at a 250 Visa gift card Hundreds of students brought food which was an amazing act of generosity but only one winner could be chosen Students were abuzz when the news came from TV 8 s Casey Jones So we have drawn that winner a 250 gift card and I need Abigail Monarrez Senior Sparta High School student Abigail Monarrez won the raffle ticket She brought 312 items earning 62 tickets I was so shocked about winning I am so grateful for this gift card thank you Monarrez said
SpartaToday November 2021w KOFFEE HAUS The HOTTEST New Study Spot in Sparta By Abigail Monarrez Sparta High School Senior Koffee Haus The newest coffee shop addition to Sparta is Koffee Haus This cute little coffee shop located in the 201 Market strip by Dollar General has all the students talking It s been open for two months and the entire 201 Market strip and the restaurant are owned by Jim and Janet Knauf The menu includes the following coffee smoothies tea soon to be bubble tea slushies food from Brick Haus cookies bagel coffee cakes and much more There is a big open space above the coffee shop with tables which is a great place for Sparta students to study It s a good place for people to come in and get their morning caffeine before school or work Manager Allison Berenbrock said Marion Hill Queen and Nick Shoonmaker King hoist the red apple Sparta Homecoming 2021 Football Team Seniors Victorious By Jayce Simons and Jamari Everett The Sparta High School football team defeated Belding 21 14 and the seniors were named as the recipients of the red apple on Friday September 24th to punctuate the homecoming activities this year The traditional homecoming festivities were welcomed back by students and staff this fall as traditional class vs class competitions returned on the fabulous Friday of the football game The dance was attended by over 600 students as sponsor Kate Mader provided an enchanted decades theme It was a wonderful event with students participating like never before Mader said Seniors Marion Hill and Nick Schoonmaker were announced as Queen and King during halftime of the football game The traditional Friday games were moved to the football field this year and the change seemed to work well Everything seems to have gone well Maybe the parents had a tough time seeing the games but the students were engaged and excited the entire day Principal Stacey Rumsey said Mock Rocks penny a point food drives pie eating contests and more of the traditional Sparta staples returned triumphantly in 2021 hopefully for good Kaylee Garcia and Ella Tanner teaming with GROW Tree Planting Project Benefits Students and Community By Josselyn Barton Some Sparta area students recently took part in a Tree Planting Project at the high school The event took place Wednesday Sept 22 Ms Wyman Mrs Kerry McKinley and Mrs Ritter s students helped with some planting elsewhere on and near campus as well This was a collaborative project with a community partner called GROW but was also especially beneficial for Ms Wyman s students employment skills development She was ecstatic about the opportunity to purify the air and beautify the campus EVERYONE feels good when they are making a difference in their community The fruits of their labor will live on for generations she said Coach Koert s Sparta Girls Golf Team Thrives By Peyton Popma Head Coach Tom Koert is leading the Sparta girls golf team to a roaring season in the OK Silver Conference this year On September 17th the girls finished first at the Montague Jamboree with four girls shooting under 100 Emalynn Benham paced the team with a low score of 90 She has been on a roll all season breaking low team records The girls shot a combined 384 and took home 8th out of 16 teams that Friday This squad has battled opponents all season against formidable West Michigan programs Belding Comstock Park Hopkins Calvin Christian and Northpointe to name a few This team is poised to finish as perhaps the best team in Sparta history The student athletes have an amazing work ethic and bond with one another on and off the course Junior Madison Cantu is confident in her team It is the best looking golf team I ve ever seen Cantu said 7
8 November 2021 SpartaToday Newsweek Again Selects ChoiceOne Bank as Best Small Bank in Michigan ChoiceOne Recognized in Consecutive Years 2021 2022 James A Bosserd James A Bosserd Bosserd Retires from COFS Boards of Directors Armock Appointed ChoiceOne Bank was once again ranked as Michigan s Best Small Bank by Newsweek ChoiceOne was recognized in Newsweek s first ever ranking in 2020 of the country s financial institutions that were best at serving their customers needs in 2021 during the pandemic climate Best Bank winners were selected from among 2 508 financial institutions and assessed on more than 30 separate factors covering the overall health of the bank customer service performance and features digital and branch presence account and loan options interest rate offerings and fees Best Small Bank in each state needed less than 10 billion in assets and had to be among the five banks with the most branches in the state It is with deep appreciation that the Boards of Directors of ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc and ChoiceOne Bank announce the retirement of James A Bosserd from the Boards effective September 8 Concurrently Greg L Armock has been appointed to the ChoiceOne Financial Services Board after serving nearly four years on the ChoiceOne Bank Board It is certainly bittersweet for me to announce Jim s retirement from our Boards of Directors this month said ChoiceOne CEO Kelly Potes I have worked with Jim for many years and have enjoyed his friendship and admired his dedication to the Bank During his tenure with the Bank and as a board member Jim led ChoiceOne to unprecedented growth and milestones We will miss Jim s leadership and wise counsel At the same time we are honored to have Greg join our COFS Board Greg is an advocate for community banking and has provided the business acumen needed to help ChoiceOne grow our franchise value across Michigan Bosserd retires with over 50 years in the banking industry 30 of those years in senior executive positions 14 years as ChoiceOne s President and CEO and the last five years as a director on ChoiceOne s Boards of Directors Bosserd has seen ChoiceOne grow to an approximately 2 1 billion asset bank holding company from approximately 300 million all while leading and counseling the Bank through mergers the Great Recession country wide regulatory challenges and advanced technological expansion During his distinguished career Bosserd served his industry and communities selflessly Bosserd is a director and former member of the compensation committee of the United Methodist Finance Authority He is a former director of the Sparta Downtown Development Authority Wolverine Worldwide YMCA and Community Bankers of Michigan CBM formerly MACB and a former member of CBM s audit committee He previously served as President of the Chamber of Commerce President of Rotary Chairman of the Wolverine YMCA board and was chosen by CBM as Banker of the Year Greg L Armock is the owner and president of Armock Mechanical Contractors Inc a provider of commercial HVAC ventilation plumbing refrigeration and fabrication services Armock was appointed a director of ChoiceOne Bank in January 2018 We wish Jim and his wife Jane a happy and healthy retirement said Potes Jim has been a remarkable leader and he and Jane have been exceptional friends to all of us at ChoiceOne And again we are pleased to welcome Greg to our COFS Board another great leader Americorps in Sparta Americorps NCCC National Civilian Community Corps is a federally funded national service program The group consists of 18 26 year old individuals who become part of the team They then travel around a region and serve on various service projects meeting needs in communities Americorps is really good for a gap year after High school a great way to meet new people and a wonderful opportunity to travel and see other parts of the country Members are provided with a scholarship at the completion of the program which is a 10 month service term This group has been together since February 2021 and the camp is located in Vinton Iowa The individual members come from all over including Texas Washington DC Pennsylvania Indiana Chicago Iowa There are several different types of projects the Americorps members take on They spent two months in Miami Florida providing nonmedical support for vaccine distribution They then served at a Girl Scout Camp doing physical construction projects which included roofing trail maintenance and painting several buildings in Northeast Ohio at Camp Sugarbush They assisted with the flood damage in Detroit while mucking and gutting home basements removing personal belongings removing walls and floors and getting out the appliances and furniture Americorps was the first remediation on the scene The team arrived in Sparta in mid August and left in mid September to do projects around Sparta and at the Howard Christensen Nature Center They removed invasive species along Nash Creek and by the schools At the Nature Center they completed trail maintenance built a retaining wall widened the board walk and did other on site improvements Team members had some really great moments while serving They took a sledgehammer to a basement bar and it was a little demolition and very enjoyable It is truly a joy for the members to be able to interact with the communities and see how they were able to bring happiness to people at disaster sites after offering heir help They were also able to go to a Detroit Tigers game Detroit City Soccer Match went swimming at Camp Sugarbush traveled to National Parks and the Everglades and they go to a lot of ice cream places The team really enjoys living together as well If you want to expand your horizons try different kinds of work and grow as a person then this is a great program to check out Americorps brings forth a wide variety of tasks for the members to do and is a great thing to add to resumes and college applications as well Check out Americorps to join a worthwhile organization and serve others today
SpartaToday Ground Breaking Ceremony of Rent Smart Patrick Lori Gardner have been in the rental business since 1995 They have served the small town of Grant since 2007 and in 2018 they expanded to Sparta The past couple of years the community has blessed them so much with this year being the busiest to date They have now broken ground on a new building going up in Sparta With over 10 000 customers in their systems and meeting new faces every day they cannot wait to continue to serve and better fit the needs of their customers On Tuesday October 5th Rent Smart had their groundbreaking ceremony for the new building at 9430 Sparta Ave There was a bounce house raffle Mata Taco and more to celebrate all of their tremendous accomplishments Work smart RENT SMART Here for all your rental needs 9 November 2021w MIKE LAMB MIKE LAMB Assoc Broker Manager ABR CRS GRI SFR Assoc Broker Manager ABR CRS GRI SFR 616 498 5368 616 498 5368 Mike Lamb CBGreatLakes com Mike Lamb CBGreatLakes com www BuySellMikeLamb com www BuySellMikeLamb com 194 SOUTH STATE ST SPARTA MI 49345 194 SOUTH STATE ST SPARTA MI 49345 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 Onley He Can Win a Blue Ribbon Congratulations to our staff member Blake Onley who was the Frenzy student of the week for Woodtv8 Blake is a senior at SHS and works tirelessly keeping our downtown flowers gorgeous and setting up for events Blake not only works for the Chamber he is also a part of the cadet program at the Plainfield Fire Department In his free time he enjoys doing 4H and during the Kent County Youth Fair Blake won first place for building a 20 foot long 3 4th inch cedar strip canoe Blake is such a hard worker and we re grateful to have him here in Sparta 616 887 1748 spartatire com
10 November 2021 SpartaToday The Sparta Moose and the Senior Sparta Seniors The Sparta Moose and Sparta Senior Neighbors gathered for a motorcycle ride and lunch at the Moose Lodge on September 10th There were many smiling faces as the seniors got the chance to experience that wind on your face feeling Thanks to the many volunteers that day who took the time to help make the seniors day If you were part of this event you know everyone that day felt rewarded Thanks to Sparta Moose Legion for funding lunch and beverages Bow Tie Honors Fallen Soldiers After an attack outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul Afghanistan killed 13 U S service members Jess Norman and Maegan Smith put up a heartwarming memorial in the Bow Tie Tavern Thank you for honoring our fallen soldiers and let us not forget the sacrifice our military service members give for our freedoms www serenitywellnesschiro com Helping you reach your health care goals Visit and follow us on Facebook for exclusive offers health tips and more Rick and Jane Moose Spinal Adjustments Extremity Adjustments Cold Laser Traction Decompression Medical Massage Deep Tissue Relaxation Massage Hot or Cold Stone Massage Prenatal Massage Dr LynnMarie S Leyder Doctor of Chiropractic info serenitywellnesschiro com 542 S State St Sparta MI 49345 phone 616 887 2178 Hal Moose
SpartaToday November 2021w 11
12 November 2021 SpartaToday Sparta Township Historical Commission Celtic Festival By Michael Metzger left to right Joe Piaz Micheal Metzger and Trini Piaz At the 2019 Celtic Festival the Sparta Township Historical Commission attempted a fundraiser by having a food booth that sold walking tacos Trini and Joe Piaz had their Downtown Trini s and Margarita Joe s food booth next to ours They noticed that we were not attracting many customers Subsequently when this year s Celtic Festival was in the planning stages Trini and Joe reached out to the STHC and said that if the STHC would supply the manpower they would donate all their proceeds to the STHC This was an offer that we couldn t refuse We quickly went to work and found 20 wonderful volunteers and commissioners who would provide the necessary manpower The Friday before the Celtic Festival Michael Metzger Adele Bradford Jones Rick Kingsbury and Miranda Hills Cairn showed up at Maddy LaRoue s to make up 280 hamburger patties for the following days festival On Celtic Festival day Trini and Joe and their crew set up the food booth next to the STHC Research Center Trini supervised the operation and Joe kept the booth steadily restocked as items depleted due to sales By the end of the day the food booth was sold out of tacos and had sold over 200 hamburgers fries The result was an astonishing donation by Trini and Joe to the STHC for 1 800 00 The STHC is also grateful to both Bayes Water Treatment for all the bottled water they donated to go along with each meal purchased and to Family Fare that donated all the ice that kept all the food and drinks cool and fresh throughout the day The STHC is deeply appreciative to all these local businesses for their assistance in keeping Sparta History alive and well for future generations The Sparta Township Historical Commission Research Center located at 71 N Union St is open every Monday from 9 am to Noon Feel free to drop in and ask about Sparta or learn about Sparta history or chat while enjoying free donuts and coffee Hope to see you there Why Sparta Bucks Are a Great Gift Idea Value for Our Community 88 East Division Street Sparta MI 49345 866 887 1761 Do you have someone in your life that is impossible to shop for If so this can make the holidays a stressful time This Christmas spare the anxiety and give your loved ones Sparta Bucks Sparta Bucks are a community currency like a gift certificate that can be used at a variety of businesses that participate with the Chamber When you purchase and spend Sparta Bucks consider it as an investment in our local businesses and community Sparta Bucks can be spent at over twenty local businesses in Sparta making them the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family Support some of your favorite local stores like Wing World Creekside Clover Stony Ridge Vineyards Sweets 4 Days and many more To view a list of participating stores and purchase Sparta Bucks go to https www spartachamber com sparta bucks Our regular buy 20 get 5 free is still going strong and you can take advantage of those free bucks any time Happy shopping
SpartaToday 13 November 2021w You Deserve A Better Card No Balance Transfer Fees Low Rates on Every Day Purchases No Annual Fees Credit Card With Scorecard Rewards you can earn Bonus Points or Cash Back for qualifying purchases using your VISA Credit Card Federally Insured by NCUA Become a member today 14111 White Creek Ave Cedar Springs MI 49319 1619 Plain eld Ave Grand Rapids MI 49505 Call us at 888 336 3490 Visit IntandemCU com to learn more
14 November 2021 SpartaToday Tesa tape Inc to add at least 25 jobs and invest 36 million in upcoming expansion Printed by the Right Place Inc October 11 2021 you might not know we have life home auto and business insurance now you do simple human sense Shelly Crissey Jeff Bradford Karla Kurnat Kim Reimer Joel Greene 616 887 8881 ottawakent com Shelli Hall The Right Place Inc in collaboration with the Village of Sparta announced that global adhesives manufacturer tesa tape Inc will be expanding its current location at 324 S Union St in Sparta In addition to a capital investment of 36 million the expansion will bring at least 25 new jobs to the area Tesa tape Inc will be expanding its current location at 324 S Union St in Sparta In addition to a capital investment of 36 million the expansion will bring at least 25 new jobs to the area tesa a global pressure sensitive adhesives manufacturer headquartered in Norderstedt Germany opened tesa Plant Sparta in 1982 The Sparta location was the company s first operations outside of Europe at the time Today tesa Plant Sparta produces innovative adhesive tapes and self adhesive system solutions for various industries and employs 125 of tesa s 5 000 global employees As part of the tesa Strategy 2025 the company is seeking to increase its presence in North America A major component of this initiative is to expand its local production footprint with eco friendly production technology tesa made the decision to expand its Sparta facility and will begin construction on the plot adjacent to it which previously housed a local sports field The enormous investment in our tesa plant in Sparta is a big step towards being able to offer customers from important industrial sectors such as the automotive and building industries more sustainable and innovative self adhesive technologies and products says Daniel Germain tesa Regional Manager North America and Sparta Schools Alumni The Right Place worked closely with tesa the MEDC and the Village of Sparta to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than other out of state locations that were considered The Village of Sparta has also approved a PA 198 Tax Abatement in support of the expansion Pending approval MEDC will also be supporting the project tesa s decision to expand in Greater Grand Rapids is a prime example of the region s status as a globally competitive destination for business said Olivia Lanctot Business Development Coordinator and project lead for The Right Place Inc Over the last 35 years our region has established itself as a destination for business success We have skilled talent economic growth potential and an incredibly strong business community that allows us to position ourselves advantageously on a global scale Shay Gallagher Village Manager Village of Sparta is thrilled at the company s decision to expand its current operations tesa has been a key employer in our community and the company s decision to continue growing here will be an excellent boost to our local economy
SpartaToday 15 November 2021w Equipment Rental Call PatriCk Equipment Available By The Half Day Full Day s Week s and Longer Air Compressors Ariel lifts Bulldozer eArtH moViNG eQuipmeNt sKid steers trACtors miNi eXCAVAtors WHeel loAders teleHANdlers 19 36 ANd 44 sCissor lifts trAilers misCellANeous 3 4 treNCHers 6 treNCH BACKHoes Call 1 877 675 5368 1550 10 MILE ROAD SPARTA MI 49345 Fax 616 675 7105 www kentequipment com 3 PT TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS SALES OF NEW USED EQUIPMENT FINANCING AVAILABLE WE DELIVER
16 November 2021 SpartaToday Sparta Scouts Replace Torn Flags to Benefit Community By Darci Nanzer 704 explained that it s about giving back to the community while also allowing the Scouts to see what needs there are in the community It reacquaints our the citizens our community leaders with each other so the community knows the Scouts are there for them For more than a century Scouting has been serving communities Now Scouts across the nation are embarking on a Summer of Service to help our communities Earlier this month Scouts from Sparta Troop 704 went doorto door to replace torn tattered and missing American flags while also conducting flag ceremonies for members of the community WHAT Do You NEED Help getting the MOST for your home Our rEAl ESTATE SErvicES buy Sell ConSultationS Contact me for your FREE Home Real Estate Evaluation Cell 616 293 9927 Office 616 791 1500 DonScottEmail gmail com www donscott website This project was coordinated in tandem with this year s Freedom Cruise which is a daylong event of Finish the Mission Veterans Relief Fund dedicated to West Michigan Veterans by developing partnerships to enhance their quality of life remembering their sacrifice through the ceremony and acknowledging their service On the evening of August 16th Troop 704 of Sparta replaced and collected numerous flags and conducted door to door flag rais ing ceremonies to properly display the neighborhood American flags I was proud to put the flags up for the community Also I felt good to represent the Boy Scouts and I was happy how the people who owned the homes felt said Aidan DuPont an 11 year old Tenderfoot Scout in Troop 704 When asked why projects like these are important Darci Nanzer Committee Chair of troop This is one of many projects Scouts across the country are embarking on as part of the Summer of Service Summer of Service is a national initiative designed to encourage the members of the organization to give back at a time when a spirit of community service is needed more than ever The Scouts will be concentrating their service projects on four main areas promoting health and wellness protecting the environment supporting neighbors in need and improving local communities If this sounds fun sign up for Scouting today Visit BeAScout org to find a Scouting unit near you my Smile BLAKESLEE ROP PLC making it Friendly Voted Top Docs in Orthodontics GR Magazine or Braces AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW 275 S State St Sparta 616 887 4002 www BriedenMillerOrtho com BLAKESLEE ROP PLC AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW Estate Planning Probate Business Law Real Estate Criminal Law 866 9593 240 NorthlaNd drive rockford www br law net
SpartaToday November 2021w 17 Ron Helmboldt and Don Gohn Coach Ron Helboldt Sparta High School Coaching Years 1967 68 thru 2005 Coach Don Gohn Sparta High School Coaching Years 24 Teaching 17 years Coaching By Jim Tuinstra Two individuals are joined together as Sparta s longtime head wrestling coaches starting in 1965 through 2005 The two coaches Don Gohn and Ron Helmboldt together had 13 league championships 14 district champions 10 regional champions three semi finalist teams and a 1972 team that finished second in State with 14 individual champions Mr Helmboldt took over from Mr Gohn in 1980 and was the second part of a 41 year stretch with only two head coaches this led to great consistency in the program Ron grew up in the small mid Michigan town of Marion which also happens to be the town in which my mother was born He played four sports in high school basketball football baseball and two years of track Baseball was his best sport After high school he went to Central Michigan University graduating with a bachelor of science in education He started teaching at Sparta in the fall of 1967 and immediately started coaching freshmen football This led to his coaching football for fourteen years eleven of which were as assistant varsity coach He also coached one year of golf and six in JV baseball He started coaching wrestling with Mr Gohn in 1973 a sport in which he had never participated After six years as assistant coach he took the head job for 26 years finally retiring in 2005 Ron s teams ended up with a record of 455 134 4 After retiring from Sparta wrestling and teaching many years of social science he continued to assist Kent City in wrestling In 2006 he was inducted into the Michigan Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame and followed that with induction into Sparta s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 He married the former Cathy Blaauw a classmate of mine in Sparta She was also an SHS math teacher They are the parents of two boys Andy and Joe and are now living in Manistee where Ron enjoys hunting fishing softball and has written a number of books in the fishing hunting outdoors and wrestling areas Mr Gohn grew up right next door in Comstock Park graduating from the high school in 1952 and excelled in football making all conference three times as a tackle in the old Kenowa League which included Sparta After graduating from high school he joined the Marines and served from 1952 1955 After getting out he married his wife Lynne in 1957 Eventually he went to New Mexico State to play football and graduated from there in 1964 with a degree in PE He started teaching PE that fall at Sparta Middle School and continued for 24 years before retiring in 1988 He was head wrestling coach for 17 years while also helping out in the football program He made the Comstock Park Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993 and followed that by being inducted into Sparta s Athletic Hall of Fame for coaching in 2002 and in 2006 was joined by his son Mike in Sparta s Hall of Fame Don and Lynne are the parents of two boys Mike and Dave who both graduated from Sparta After his retirement he moved north to Ludington and while there he also helped assist in coaching both wrestling and football and also helped out in wrestling at Mason County Central He also enjoyed fishing and doing volunteer mission work in Kentucky He passed away in 2013 while still residing in Ludington I never had either one of them as a teacher but played fast pitch softball with Mr Gohn and against Mr Helmboldt in the old Sparta fast pitch softball league Sparta Homecoming Pep Rally Sparta fans waved pom poms as the community gathered in the Town Square for an upbeat Homecoming Pep Rally before the big game The Sparta High School Band led the rally with the Sparta School Song as the crowd clapped along The Homecoming reps from each grade were brought forth by SHS principle Stacey Rumsey She announced the nominations for Homecoming King and crowned Nick Schoonmaker Later in the evening after Sparta won the Homecoming game in overtime Marion Hill was crowned queen Way to go Spartans
18 November 2021 Sparta s creative fun with haybales The haybale creativity continued this year with fun designs and great imagination The haybales were transformed into different animals patriotic themes rainbows with pots of gold a Wizard of Oz co bale display pumpkins a campfire and more We had so many participants that wanted to join this year and the bales did not disappoint To select the winners we did it by votes by likes on the individual pictures and we also counted votes on each picture during Apple Fest Our top three winners are the Ladner Family with The Owl Sparta Fire Department with The Fire Hydrant and Ridgetown Investments with Patriotic Thank you to everyone that participated this year and to those who voted It is always exciting to see what designs everyone comes up with to transform the haybales into something fun to decorate Sparta in the fall SpartaToday
SpartaToday 19 November 2021w Dog Days was a Paw some Event Dog Days in Sparta was a blast Pet owners and dogs alike enjoyed the vendors games costumes and treats Thanks to The Barkery for fun games like hotdog bobbing and Koffee Haus for the pup cups which were such a special treat We enjoyed seeing all of the furry friends who came out to enjoy Dog Days Remembering our Veterans on Veterans Day Submitted by Jayne Heath JoAnne VanderWerff On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918 in France the guns of Europe fell silent to end the war that would end all wars The Great War officially ended when the treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28 1919 Fighting ceased seven months earlier when an Armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities between the allied nations and Germany went into effect on November 11 1918 On November 12 1918 our grandfather wrote from Somewhere in France Dearest Mother and All yesterday was one of the most wonderful days that the world has known since the birth of Christ I know it was a day when the whole world rejoiced Sentinel Leader November 15 1918 Victory Day Sunday November 17 At the Baptist church Sunday night at 7 o clock instead of having the sermon announced for Sunday night we will celebrate the victory of the Allies by holding a big patriotic meeting We will sing national songs salute the flag have special music and a patriotic address by the pastor You are all invited to come and celebrate You can shout and cheer if you want to do so for we all feel happy The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 am To those who recall the hilarious joy occasioned by the close of the World War Armistice Day will always remain an outstanding occasion In the more sober celebration of its anniversary we pause to honor those brave boys who did not return This bank will close all day Sparta State Bank November 9 1933 Sparta Sentinel Leader In 1954 President Dwight D Eisenhower renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day In order to ensure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary all veterans all veterans organizations and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose Dwight D Eisenhower Today we show our appreciation to Veterans by thanking them and asking about their service We fly the American flag and students in school are encouraged to write letters of thanks to local veterans Some pause for a moment at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month to thank God for having provided us with the great gift of freedom Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them Franklin D Roosevelt
20 November 2021 We Had an Apple solutely Wonderful Michigan Apple Fest Apple Fest was a huge success There were two days of jammed packed activities which included fun for young and old alike There were Apple Pie Eating Contests Pedal Tractor Pulls Performances by the Bronk Bros and Brookie the Nice a Petting Zoo an Apple Pie Baking Contest a Donut Eating contest an Apple Peeling Contest Apple Box Rides Horse Drawn Wagon Rides fun on the Apple Sling Shot Kiddie Crafts and Games a Harvest Raffle a Beer Tent Food Trucks and Market on the Ridge Vendors We were so thankful to see the crowds of people from the community gathered together for all of the different activities The Harvest Raffle which was new this year raised 8 000 All of that money will go back into the events that we host here in Sparta Thank you to all of the sponsors that made Michigan Apple Fest possible the businesses that donated great items for the Harvest Raffle and the hardworking volunteers that helped to make it so much fun Thank you to all who came out and participated making it an apple solutely wonderful Apple Fest SpartaToday
SpartaToday 21 November 2021w Sparta Area Schools BELL RINGER June July 2021 www spartaschools org Home of the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Moving Forward with Positive Intentions In many ways the start of the 2021 22 school year has proven to be even more challenging than last year While we were well prepared for the start of the year the last minute public health order requiring masks for staff and students in grades PK 6 in Kent County caught many off guard and has caused much anger and confusion in our community and region Our staff and students have continued to do an outstanding job and have shown their resilience We also have been able to experience many more normal activities over the first couple of months of this school year when compared to last school year My focus in this article will be on the positive things that have happened as we continue to navigate this pandemic and offer a quality education and extra curricular opportunities for our students First off at the time of this writing we have been able to keep our doors open our students in school learning and have been able to minimize disruptions Yes we have had positive COVID cases among our staff and students Yes positive cases are required to isolate and miss school and students required to quarantine household contacts and those linked to an outbreak are missing days as well But this number is far less than a year ago when all close contacts were required to quarantine We also are far better prepared to provide remote instruction and support for any students that must miss school Learning continues to move forward with nearly all students receiving face to face instruction and our staff continues to do an outstanding job on field trips mostly outdoors as the weather has been nice and they are finding opportunities for experiential learning We were able to celebrate homecoming as a school and community with the largest crowds we have ever had in our new stadium while also providing a homecoming dance for our high school students All our athletic programs have moved forward and have been virtually unaffected by the pandemic We continue to plan for concerts plays and many of the other normal activities we are accustomed to and are hopeful that we will be able to provide them with minimal mitigation efforts It has been great to see our students in action again doing the things that they love to do Second the extra opportunities we have been able to provide for our students this fall is far beyond what we were able to do a year ago Our kids are going Finally I have to applaud our students While there will always be some challenges when you bring nearly 2500 students to school each day our students have handled anything that has been thrown at them made any necessary adjustments and made the best of the situation Many times I think about how much our society can learn by just watching our kids They are happy to be in school to be able to resume many of their normal activities and have adjusted to any necessary mitigation measures to be able to do so safely We should be proud of our kids their efforts and their resilience Our kids really do not surprise me but we can learn from them listen to them and must realize that they are our future Our future leaders are in our schools and they are watching us Let s remember to make them as proud of us as we are of them Thank you for supporting our children With Spartan Pride Pete Bush Superintendent 1991 30 years ago Almost a Third of a Century of Providing the Extras for Education for the Sparta Education Foundation In 1991 a group of forward thinking community members and school staff looked to the future saw certain needs and created the Sparta Education Foundation SEF to help with those needs for Sparta Area Schools Currently the SEF Board of Trustees consists of 15 volunteers with a variety of talents and time commitments meeting monthly and awarding grants three times per year Today as the Foundation looks back we have realized it would take much more than a full page to list the many citizens businesses and staff who have shared time talent and financial gifts to enrich the experiences of Sparta students And over those years as the Foundation worked to supply the extras for education another long list took shape grants Grants were awarded for an ice cream machine and child sized carpet sweepers photography equipment and field trips speakers in person and speakers for distance learning robots and reading aids a tuba trash can drums and giant balls to drum on to name just a few The amazing catalog of creative ideas both large and small sparks learning and creates joy And now what As the past is reviewed a switch is also being made to focus on the years ahead These past months have taught that no one can begin to imagine what will be needed to enhance learning for the students in the days ahead Still the board is determined to seek out partners for progress who are willing to share in the challenge and excitement of providing the extras for education To see how you can get involved follow our Face book page Sparta Education Foundation MI or visit the SEF website https www spartaschools org parentsstudents spartaeducationfoundation We hope you enjoyed our 30th anniversary ice cream socials at the ECC Ridgeview and Appleview elementary schools open houses on August 19 Welcome to the next exciting decades of the Sparta Education Foundation
22 November 2021 SpartaToday BELL RINGER Third Graders Thunder Bake Students in Mrs Singleton s and Mrs Hurley s classes took advantage of the recent stormy days to bake Thundercake Based on the beloved book by Michigan author Patricia Polacco Thundercake and her grandmother s special recipe students sifted poured stirred and even added the secret ingredient of tomatoes to create delicious Thundercake As the book goes baking this cake is a sure way to beat a rainy day and any fears of thunderstorms 2021 PUBLIC NOTICEASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN The Sparta Area Schools District hereby provides notice to parents guardians and the general public of the 2002 Asbestos Management Plan for the District In accordance with EPA40 CFR Part 763 Asbestos containing materials in buildings please note Inspections periodic re inspections and surveillance and related activities are ongoing within the school district buildings according to EPA 40 CFR Part 763 1 2 3 and OSHA 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926 Building management plans are available for review Questions may be directed to the Operations Supervisor Sparta Area Schools 475 W Spartan Dr Sparta MI 49345 You may also contact the Operations Supervisor by calling 616887 8213 during normal business hours 2021 Annual notification of the asbestos survey Our school district has conducted an extensive asbestos survey of all of our buildings Based on the findings of this inspection a comprehensive management plan was drafted This plan details the response actions that the District will be taking regarding asbestos containing material found in our buildings Even though the High School Ridgeview Administration and Transportation buildings do not contain asbestos materials in compliance with the US Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act AHRTA of 1990 we have an Asbestos Management Plan on file at the transportation office at 429 S Union Street Sparta The management Plan is available for inspection at our offices without cost or restriction during normal business hours Our goal is to make our schools a safe place in which students can learn Our procedures for dealing with this problem reflect that concern Please let us know if we can answer any questions Operations Supervisor Sparta Area Schools 475 W Spartan Dr Sparta MI 49345 Grand Rapids Public Museum Visit Appleview s fifth grade was afforded a wonderful trip to Grand Rapids Public museum through a generous grant from Crystal Flash Students were fascinated by the history of our place and people 2021 Pest management plan Sparta Area Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest Management program Inherent with this are the District s efforts to reduce pesticide use as much as possible While it may occasionally be necessary to apply a pesticide these will only be used as a last resort This program does not rely on routine pesticide applications to resolve problems We use various techniques such as habitat alteration sanitation mechanical means exclusion etc to prevent pests from becoming a problem You will receive advanced notice of the application of a pesticide other than bait or gel formulations at your child s school This advance notice of the application will be given 48 hours before the application The law requires us to do this notification by using two methods The first method required by the law is the posting at the primary entrances to your child s school The entrances that will be posted are those entrances that have a sidewalk that leads directly to a parking lot The second method we are going to use is the posting in a common area located by the main office of the school Parents are also entitled to receive this notice by first class United States mail postmarked at least 3 days before the application If you would like to be notified by mail please contact the Operations Supervisor at 616 887 8213 Please give the secretary your name mailing address and what school your child attends In an emergency for example bees nest pesticides may be applied without prior notice but you will be provided notice following any such application You may review our IPM program or pesticide application records for your child s school by contacting the District s Operations Supervisor at 616 887 8213
SpartaToday 23 November 2021w BELL RINGER New nurse at Sparta schools Sparta Area Schools is happy to welcome Elaine Spencer Nurse Elaine to our school nursing team She will be working with Amy Roelse Nurse Amy to care for our students and staff The district is extremely excited about our new addition Please help us welcome Nurse Elaine to our Sparta family A Day at Art Prize In September the fifth graders had the opportunity to travel to downtown Grand Rapids to see various pieces of art at Art Prize They were able to observe firsthand that art can be made up of different mediums There were art pieces that ranged from metal to used dictionaries and water bottles to different types of paint They learned that art is truly in the eye of the beholder and had an appreciation for the time workmanship and dedication that each artist had to create his her masterpiece A few artists were even present to answer questions the public may have had Hopefully this adventure will inspire our fifth graders to view art differently and maybe some of them will be future artists Sparta Early Childhood Center This fall we opened the doors of the new Sparta Early Childhood Center and have welcomed more than 120 three and four year olds Everyday children engage in listening to stories practice writing skills play outside practice self help skills and engage in a curriculum that supports their level of learning Children were asked What is your favorite thing to do at school I like to play in the kitchen Sofia I like to draw Milo I like to paint and sing and go down the slides Jayden I like to play with babies and color Lexi I like to play a b c s Jaslen Reading with children is fundamental to their later literacy skills Miss Jessica reads with children as they enter the classroom for the day I like to play with the barn and the people Clayton I like to build with magna tiles Stella The foundation of our preschool is based on children learning through play Through play and interactions with their peers and teachers children learn how to solve problems build language skills learn about the world around them Children s day also has structured time when concepts such as letter names and sounds how to write letters counting and many more academic skills are taught For questions or information Call 887 0068 or email heather lashuay spartaschools org Educationally Heather Lashuay Director of Sparta Early Childhood Center Jackson and Lakelyn problem solve as they build with blocks Jaslen and Zayden talk about magnetic letters Wyatt and Cohle are exploring stamps in the writing center
24 November 2021 SpartaToday BELL RINGER Great activities at Appleview Elementary Fall Traditions The fourth graders have enjoyed getting back to many of our fun traditions at AppleviewElementary this fall We started the school year with a PBIS assembly to go over our expectations We refer to all of the students as an All Star This helps them remember to be Safe Team Player Act Responsibly and Respect The students were able to participate in a few games to show these characteristics They played Hungry Hippos and Lightning Spirit Walk All of the fourth graders participated together in our Spirit Walk sponsored by our PTC It was a beautiful day and the students worked hard getting as many laps as they could The fourth grade classes raised the most money for our school Way to go students and families Many students enjoyed pouring slime on their teacher s at our assembly afterwards Homecoming week During Homecoming week the students showed their school spirit by participating in our Dress Up Days On Friday at our fourth grade assembly the cheerleaders got us excited for Homecoming by performing many of their cheers We love showing our Spartan Pride We are having a great start to the 2021 2022 school year