Sparta TODAY Newspaper April 2021 : simplebooklet.com

• IN THIS ISSUE •PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAIDGRAND RAPIDS, MI Permit #214Page 3 Donate to SpartaPage 5 Fire Department's New EnginePage 7 Sparta's 2021 Events CalendarPage 8 1956 Tornado AnniversaryPage 10 Library Director RetiresPage 21 Bell RingerECRWSS Postal CustomerSp arta Bell Ringer Inside!April 2021The Sparta Sports Park will ofcially open Saturday, 24 April 2021! This Park has been a long time (and I mean years) in the making. After years of meetings, fundraising cam-paigns, grant submissions, environmental studies, and construction (much of it volunteer) the Park will have Sparta kids playing baseball and soccer on the elds later that morning!There will be a brief opening ceremony at 9:00AM, in the parking lot, by the concession stand. Everyone is invited. Cere-mony will be a ribbon cut-ting event for all present, especially the kids. Three hundred pair of kid-friend-ly scissors will be provided so kids can participate in the ribbon cutting. Donors, contributors and volun-teers will be recognized. The Sparta Sports Park, located on the Northwest end of Sparta at 249 N. State Street, has four base-ball diamonds for youth baseball, three t-ball elds, two ball elds for adult softball, several multi-pur-pose elds for soccer, rug-by and football. There is a rst-class disc golf course at the west end of the com-plex. The complex also has a concession stand with bathroom facilities. Paved trails radiate from the concession stand to all the elds for maintenance and easy access to the elds. This facility has been built entirely from the generosity of the local community through nan-cial contributions. Multi-ple local businesses have donated time, materials, labor and expertise in the construction. Hundreds of community members have donated money through our “buy a brick” program. Service organizations have donated time and labor for construction. Some local community members have sat through hundreds of hours of board meetings and some have spent near-ly as many hours super-vising, planning, digging, cutting trees, improving roads and mowing – all as volunteers! People often ask, “why has the park taken so long to nish?” and we are ecstatic, proud, and elated to report that when a community comes together to build something as amazing as what we have through extreme volunteerism and stretching the generosity of donations to match to grant funding which has its own set of deadlines and timetables, it takes time! But after almost ten years of hard work and effort of hundreds of people, we are elated to say, “It’s time for the grand opening!”Please join us at the Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, April 24 at 9 am and see the Sparta Sports Park yourself! Cut a piece of ribbon and take it home. Watch some Sparta kids play soccer or base-ball. Take a stroll on the nature trails (pets are wel-come on a leash and only on the trails – not on the playing elds!). Thank you to everyone who believed in the project, and hope you will join us to celebrate with us!Sincerely,Sparta Sports Park VolunteersSparta Sports Park Grand OpeningPictured above, an overhead of the Sparta Sports Complex taken in December 2020.

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 3Store & Drive-Thru Hours: Monday - Friday 9 - 7 • Saturday 9 - 5 • Sunday Closedwww.hometownpharmacy.comMomber Pharmacy & Gifts11 S. State St. • Sparta, MI616.887.7323FREE In-Town Delivery!Drive through service available!Fast, efﬁcient, and courteous service!Unique gifts & home decor!Get your immunizations with us!Bring in 5 cans of dog food to the Barkery Pet Grooming to get $5 off your FurBaby’s next visit! All food will be taken to the Humane Society of West Michigan to support shelter pets! The canned dog food will be used to help our shelter pets, it can be any brand or type! We use wet food at the shelter to make enrichment treats and to entice nervous or picky pups to eat their meals. The Barkery is located at 36 Applewood Dr. in Sparta!DOG FOOD DRIVE at the Barkery Pet GroomingThis past year has experienced more ups and downs then we could have predicted, your donations have become more important than ever. The year 2020 has strengthened our resolve to bring a sense of normalcy to 2021. This means cele-brating our community when we can by continuing our beloved traditions, creating vibrant new activities, and nding new ways to support our business community safely. Your donation will be directly invested into the sponsorship and donation fund so that we can continue to bring live talent-ed musicians, family fun entertainment, themed nights out on the town, and beautiful amenities in our downtown and public spaces. We bring people together to linger, to smile, to enjoy, and every dollar donated helps the organization provide these amazing festivities in Sparta.THANK YOU for your efforts and willingness to support our community activities and events. Our goal is to continue the positive momentum our community has achieved over the last several years. Donate securely online at www.spartachamber.com or mail in donations to P.O. box 142, Sparta, MI 49345. Please include your mailing address for our special THANK YOU gift for every donation over $25! A $25 minimum donation = a vibrant Sparta!Donate to Sparta Events & Receive a Sparta Keepsake

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4 April 2021 SpartaTodAy275 S. State St. Sparta616-887-4002www.BriedenMillerOrtho.comEveryonedeservesa smilethey love.EquipmentRentals & Sales316 S. Maple (M-37) • Grant231-834-7368 81 N. State St. • Sparta, MI616-383-1080SPARTA ANIMAL CLINIC, P.C.431 W. Division, Sparta • 616-887-8247Servicing Both Large and Small AnimalsOce Calls, Surgeriesand Farm Visitswww.spartaanimalclinic.vetstreet.comM-F 8:00am-6:00pm Sat. 8:00am-12:00 NoonM-F 8:00am-6:00pm Sat. 8:00am-1:00pmWe are proudly Celebrating our 75th year ofbusiness DAVE COLE DECORATORS, INC. COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PAINTING & WALLCOVERINGHotels - Hospitals - Schools – FactoriesChurches - Ofces325 Martindale St. • Sparta616-887-9465 • www.dcd-inc.comwww.therevolutionllc.com410 E Division StSparta, MI 49345 616-363-2225The Sparta Sports Park construction is almost complete! Our rst batch of engraved bricks as part of our buy a brick of support to go around our Veterans Memorial Flag Poles is complete, and we have room for more! If you'd like to have a brick engraved with support for the Sports Park, please ll out the ENGRAVING details and payment information below! All dollars raised go toward the construction and operation of the Sports Park. Go Sparta!Payment at the link below!https://www.spartachamber.com/sparta-sports-park-buy-a-brick-fund Sports Complex 4x8" Engraved Brick $150.00 eachSports Complex 8x8" Engraved Brick $250.00 eachThank you for your interest in support of the Sparta Sports Complex!Buy a brick!Q: Are the Zero Down Loans or Down Payment pro-grams?A: Absolutely! The most well known is the VA loan. There is another one called Rural Development. And $7500 in down payment assistance (DPA) is available through MSHDA. There’s also DPA for the metro GR area. Here are the kickers: Credit score, income, and sometimes location of the home. I can hlep you with all of that!Q: I’m thinking about selling my home. It’s just not working for us anymore. I’m not sure where to start.A: Selling and buying at the same time can be overwhelm-ing with a lot of moving pieces. The rst thing to do is give me a call to set up a consulation. There are many dierent ways we can approach the situation and it reallly depends on your individual goals & timeline. It all starts with a con-versation!Q: When is the best time to sell?A: Generally speaking, the best time to sell is when you are ready. There are advantages to selling in every season, in spite of what some agents may try to tell you. Spring is un-doubtedly considered most ideal, but that does not mean you can’t get great results in summer, winter, and fall. You just need an agent who knows how to sell year-round.

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 5The Sparta Fire Department took delivery of a new 2020 Pierce Pumper in January of this year. This engine was a stock unit which gave us the ability to purchase it at a reduced price saving money but at the same time still providing the communi-ty with a safe and reliable piece of equipment for many years to come. This new engine will be replacing the department 1995 E-one/HME pump-er, which has service the community for 25 years. The enigne was put in-service on February 13, 2021 after everyone in the department had completed an training session from the manufac-ture.This purchase would not have been possible without the continued support of the community (THANK-YOU). I would also like to thank the Fire Board, Halt Fire Equipment -Ed Levy and the dedicated employees of the Sparta Fire Department for helping with this purchase.Sparta Fire Department acquires new engineOn Tuesday nights, you know what we are going to do? We’re going to play some kick ball! Join us on an adult kick ball league! Sign ups can be done by emailing us at spartarotaryfun@gmail.com.The leagues will begin play in the summer 2021! Team fees expect to be $50 per season and players will receive a t-shirt!Sparta Rotary to host *new* adult kick ball league at Sparta Sports Complex!Sparta will welcome a NEW coffee shop called the Copper Cup Café, located in 201 Marketplace building in downtown Sparta! The shop will be opening soon, stay tuned to their Face-book page for an exact opening date!

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6 April 2021 SpartaTodAyShay returns to Sparta after serving as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Coopersville. He previously interned with Sparta Village while studying at Grand Valley State Uni-versity for a Masters of Public Administration, and served as assistant to the Village Manager until 2016. Shay is married with two dogs and likes to play hockey. He says he's look-ing forward to working on the village's next master plan and planning new infrastructure improvements. "Sparta is a special place for me given that I started my career here. I love how the Sparta Town Square has evolved from a master plan concept into what it is now. It's a positive change that is only gaining momentum, it's really exciting and something the village and the community should be really proud of."Please welcome the Village of Sparta's new Manager, Shay Gallagher! This year, we are excited to host several volunteer oppor-tunities for our community to unite and keep our events and activities vibrant for down-town Sparta! See our full list of volunteer opportunities at https://www.spartachamber.com/volunteer through our partner at SignUpGenius including: Thursday Nights At Sparta Town Square starting May 6, Concerts in Rogers Park Rafe Ticket Sales, Nash Creek Clean up on April 24, and Bash at the Nash on Fri-day Nights!While the fun is getting started, consider supporting the effort by donating funds to the 501c3 Non-prot organi-zation (Sparta Events) who is charged with raising funds to execute these amazing events! Sponsorships and donations are accepted both from corporate funds like businesses AND from individ-ual families! Our sponsorships are done online at https://www.spartachamber.com/do-nation-sponsorship and start as low as $25! Thank you for all those who have supported our re-launch into 2021, the community is ready for some good vibes in Sparta!And we would also like to take a HUGE moment to thank our Title Sponsor ChoiceOne Bank, who has not only stepped up to be a leader for our community by this generous level of sup-port, but also allowed us to continue planning our year forward when we are aware sponsorships from businesses will probably look different than they have in years past! So THANK YOU to ChoiceOne Bank for your continued loyal-ty to our community!Volunteer OpportunitiesSparta is Ready to Roll!You've been waiting patiently... and here it is! Our. Event. Schedule. For. The. Summer. NOW, like with all things that are fabulous and fun and exciting, we know we will have changes and shifts to some of these events this year... but keep your hat on, we will do our best to make a memorable, safe, and fun summer in Sparta!

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 7e Sparta Events 2021 ScheduleThursday Nights at Sparta Town Square starts May 6! It is a family-friendly, community fun night located in the heart of downtown Sparta (201 E. Division, Sparta) in front of the 201 Marketplace Building! Market vendors, bonres with s'mores, Hot cocoa hand outs, some make & take crafts for kids by donation.... and we need YOUR help to host the night! Interested to volunteer? Take a peek and sign up for any of our awesome opportunities at spartachamber.com/volunteerFarm & Craft MarketYou asked for it, so here it comes! We are bringing back the Farm & Craft market and are SEEKING VENDORS! Vendors can sign up for a booth for the year or just a night! The Market will be located in Sparta Town Square (201 E. Division, Sparta). The market will be every Thursday starting May 6 from 4-8 pm!Carnival & Sidewalk Sales:NEW! What a fun way to jump into Springtime with a Car-nival & Sidewalk Sales event on May 21-23! The Carnival will be located in downtown Sparta (201 E. Division, Sparta)! Concerts in Rogers Park:Our annual Concerts will be held every Wednesday June 9- August 11, 2021 starting at 6:30 pm! Bring a lawn chair and head to Rogers Park (75 N. Union, Sparta) to enjoy the free, outdoor concert.Bash at the NashOn select Friday nights, Sparta is the place to enjoy live music, some take out food and beverages, and do some shopping all in the Sparta Town Square! Check out our schedule, and mark your calendars! Want to help us keep the event going by volunteering to sell rafe tickets that night? Sign up HERE. THE CIRCUS!By Culpepper & Merriweather on Sunday, June 27. Tickets will be on sale soon, keep checking back! There will be a 2 pm show and a 4:30 pm show.Town & Country DaysWhile we will do our best to honor our tradition that has been in place for over 75 years in Sparta, things will look a little different this year... our event schedule will be set by the end of May. Looking forward to July 14-17, 2021Princess & Superhero Night!It's Back! Get your capes and tiaras and join in on the fun on Wednesday, August 11 in Rogers Park! Sparta Celtic Fest:The beloved Sparta Celtic Fest, a free, family friendly event focused on the expression of Celtic heritage with food, music, and merchants with a Celtic focus will happen on August 13 & 14 in Rogers Park and throughout downtown Sparta!

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8 April 2021 SpartaTodAyAlpine Township is working with Dan Salas and Vida Video Productions on the April 3rd, 1956 tornado that ripped thru Hudsonville, Standale, Walker and north east Michigan. This tornado was rated f-5, which is at the top of the scale of severity.Ernie Ostuno of the Nation-al Weather Service talks about safety measures that should be planned for the safety of your families. This is more of an educational be prepared video. Mary Hawkins was 12 years old when her family went thru it, she will also share her thoughts. We have been lucky in that we haven't had severe weather like 1956 in Standale and Walker, with spring ap-proaching, westher conditions can change very quickly. Like they say if you don't like the weather in Michigan, wait a couple minutes. The Video will be posted on Alpine Township Historical Commission website and social Media at shorturl.at/hsM35.Alpine Township 65 year anniversary of the 1956 TornadoWe’ve navigated through the Coronavirus. Disappointment, stops and starts, learning our way through a difcult year. Some of us have lost family members and dear friends and some have rejoiced in their loved ones recovery. Spring is nally here and it truly feels like we’ve been reborn. Now, as we continue to move forward, it’s time to celebrate our community. Happy Birthday Sparta! I love that Sparta is still growing and thriving after 175 years. It’s really how we’re made here. It’s taken hard work, determination and grit. We should never forget our founders. They braved hardship, loss and rough times. The Cumings family, Joseph English, Elihu Rice, the Symes family the Meyers family, the Bradfords. All familiar names to many of us. You’ve all heard the name Jonathan Nash who wanted our Village to be named Nashville after himself but Michigan already had a Nashville. So our Village underwent two name changes. Brookeld was selected but there already existed a Brookeld Michigan as well so Sparta it was.Sparta Township blossomed as an agriculture community with its deep rich soil and the Village an industrial hub situated near the railroad. I think we still think of ourselves as an agricultural/industrial area. Over the years we’ve had many community celebrations. Several come to mind. One is when WWII ended. I believe the celebration I am thinking of was VJ Day not VE DAY. Everyone poured out of their homes and it turned into a parade. Bands, hastily put together oats and lots of noise! I can picture it. Sparta had taken heavy loss in that war. It must have been a bittersweet day for everyone. There was a parade and a big celebration when our Korean War prisoners of war came home. What a day for the Keck and Woolworth families that was! We’ve celebrated Town & Country Days which was aptly named. The Farmers vs Merchants softball games, carnivals, parades, tractor pulls, cotton candy and candy apples.However...in my mine the celebration of all celebrations happened in 1971, the year of our 125th birthday! For my friends and me, as high school girls, we had the time of our lives! Everyone and I mean everyone participated. There was something to do every day, all day for a full week. For my Grandma’s crowd someone dragged a piano onto Main Street for a singalong. They all loved that! Dances, a community play, all sorts of contests and who can forget the Dirty Dingus Gang and the giant birthday cake on the lawn of the Methodist Church! I’m looking forward to the events planned this summer. Our 175 year celebration will be spread out over the summer enabling us to savor it all summer long. It’s a good idea to have it that way, don’t you think?Incorporated into the usual events this summer will be a few surprises. I’m certain we’re all looking forward to a more “normal” summer. What better way to embrace this year than with a big fat birthday party? With cake. See you on Main Street! Submitted by Your Sparta Township Historical CommissionIt’s been a long and sometimes difﬁcult year

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 9Trust your car insurance with a company named for those it serves. We’ve been taking care of auto owners since 1916. Why trust your insurance with anyone else? ®ottawakent.com • 616.887.8881Complete Automotive Repair 440 S. State St., Sparta (616) 887-1748 spartatire.comTires & Wheels • Brakes • Alignments • Shocks & Struts Import Factory Maintenance • Tune-Ups & MoreSparta Tire & AutomotiveTIRES • SERVICE • & MOREDmetri, age 10: “Mom, I really like being in Mr. Davis’ class. He shows us really cool things! Did you know we have the same initials? I really miss Mrs. Brown, how come teachers can’t move up with their students? Can we make them both a present?”So now we are partnering with local businesses to create gift baskets for all the staff at our schools. We are extremely im-pressed with the school’s plan and follow through to protect our child from Covid-19 without hurting their education. These Ev-eryday Heroes deserve to be recognized and shown how grateful the entire community is for having such an amazing staff looking out for our children.We do have a Facebook group created, https://www.face-book.com/groups/3476660385777639, so people can follow the progress, donate, and share in the joy of creating and gifting these baskets. There are donation boxes around town for monetary donations or people can donate electronically through Venmo: @Ariel-Pofnbarger, Cash App: $ArielPofnbarger, or PayPal: arielpofnbarger@gmail.com.Q: Why are you doing this?A: We are so grateful and impressed by the entire school system’s devotion to keeping our children safe from Covid-19 while protecting their education with in-person instruction or very interactive virtual instruction that we want to give them all a thank you gift basket.Q: Have you done this before?A: No we have not.Q: Where are the donation boxes located?A: We currently have them at Sparta Lanes, The Garden Patch, Goldie Lou’s, and Blondie Blossom Boutique. We are reaching out every week to other local businesses to ask if they will let us place a box at their establishment too.Q: Is this just for teachers and administrators?A: No! We are creating baskets for all of the staff including: bus drivers, custodians, and food service employees.Q: How long will you be collecting donations?A: We will be collecting donations until May 15th.Q: What will be in these gift baskets?A: We will be including products from our local businesses such as cups, homemade soaps, on-the-go scent products, cou-pons/gift certicates to local businesses, and more!How it all started...Pictured above: Dmetri, age 10, dropping o a donation box to Goldie Lou's.

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10 April 2021 SpartaTodAyJust 10 Money Saving Minutes From Grand RapidsYOUR HOMETOWN HEAVY DUTY TRUCK STORE616-887-1791Corner of M-37 & Sparta Ave.www.spartachevy.comyou’ll love the way we do business!2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trail BoSSThe Next Century of Chevy Trucks Starts Here88 East Division StreetSparta, MI 49345866.887.1761By Larry Carter“They just check out!” These were Lois Lovell’s parting words as the interview for this story wound down. Her dry wit was in top form while putting a wrap on 29 years as the Sparta Carnegie Township Library Director. She shared a self-deprecating story about inadvertently throwing away the former director’s sack lunch her second week on the job, “not my nest moment,” as well as recalling not-so-run-of-the-mill patrons whose names were not/will not be divulged. Lois went out in great humor. But calling it quits has not been all fun and games. After so long at the helm, parting ways with her staff was difcult. Associate Director Deb Poling (over 40 years at the library!), Youth Librarian Nicole Schafer, Assistant Librarians Cheryl Currier and Bonnie Roede, and Pages Cheryl Utley and Lexi Ferguson, as well as former staffers over the years all have enriched her working life. “I’m thrilled that we are where we are-all friends. What one doesn’t know, another will. And any major decisions I need to make, I bring them in. And, of course, I credit the Lord for giving me His wisdom, guiding me, helping me.” Lois is also thankful for a great working relationship with previous and current library boards that were tremendously helpful along the way. In a profession that was totally new to her, this support was critical. Growing up in Portland, OR, becoming a librarian was “never on my radar.” Certainly with the local lending library six blocks away, it was a favorite place for young Lois to go with her mom. And she was never without a book on her nightstand-Nan-cy Drew mysteries her preference. But she never aspired to direct a library. As is true in every long career, there are some proud achievements. Early on, Lois realized the need for writing a policy book, not in existence before her tenure. “Having a policy for this or that is always a good idea. It solves a number of potential prob-lems before they come up.” The 100th anniversary celebration a few years back was a highlight “with so many fun and memorable activities.” And the restoration of the Carnegie Room downstairs, used for lectures back in the day and available for groups today, was a notable addition. An eye-catching Dave Mara created mural on its way down the narrow winding stairway depicts the library’s rich past. Asked what makes Sparta Carnegie Township Library unique, Lois shares, “As an example, over the years we have been a space for a number of young people, teenagers who come in to do their homework. They feel safe and respected, without judg-ment for who they are. I think that’s what we do well here.” As for the future of the library, “I would love to keep the local library local. Many of our services are the same as those offered in much larger libraries.” A large contribution to this local library’s ongoing relevance will be its public. “Sparta has so many unsung heroes. They don’t want recognition, they just want to see the job done. For the most part, we have maintained our small town culture without a small town mentality. The world is chang-ing. If we can maintain these values, that’s a good thing.” Lois did have advice for the now-in-place new director, Merri Jo Tuinstra, a long-time friend. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the job-90% of it is working with people. There is a lot to know, but there’s always another day to learn it.” Lois loaned out her last book this past March 31st. Perhaps you stopped by to be her nal patron. Just know that the library is there for you. And true to her word, this ‘old librarian’ did, indeed, ‘check out’ as she said she would. Happy Retirement, Lois Lovell. You more than deserve it!Old Librarians Never Die…Retiring Sparta Library Director after 29 years, Lois Lovell

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12 April 2021 SpartaTodAyMIKE LAMBAssoc. Broker/Manager, ABR,CRS,GRI,SFR616.498.5368Mike.Lamb@CBGreatLakes.comwww.BuySellMikeLamb.com194 SOUTH STATE ST., SPARTA, MI 49345MIKE LAMBAssoc. Broker/Manager, ABR,CRS,GRI,SFR616.498.5368Mike.Lamb@CBGreatLakes.comwww.BuySellMikeLamb.com194 SOUTH STATE ST., SPARTA, MI 49345The Sparta Police De-partment has lled 3 new part time ofcer positions over the last few months and Sparta TODAY was able to catch the newest ofcer, Ethan Sietsema, taking his oath of ofce from the new Sparta Village Clerk, Katy Shelton. Shelton comment-ed, “He and his parents were beaming!”. This also marked the rst time Shel-ton was able to do her duty to the Village by adminis-tering the oath of ofce for a new ofcer. “Hopefully, his name will appear ofcially on my roster this week.” Police Chief Milanowski said, “we are looking forward to have more help with our summer events.”New Sparta Police Part Time OfﬁcerPictured here, Ocer Sietsema and his parents Annette and Chad. Pictured here, Sparta Village new clerk Katy Shelton with the newest Sparta Police Ocer Ethan Sietsema. June 24th noon-5pm, September 16th noon-5pm, & December 2nd noon-5pm. The blood drive will take place at Swanson Electric. Swanson Electric1511 10 Mile Rd NWVersiti Blood BusSparta, MI 49345Swanson Electrical will be hosting 3 blood drives this year on My dad was born with a heart abnormality that caused Dr.’s to always tell him he wouldn’t live to be a teenager, he wouldn’t live to get married, he wouldn’t live to have a family, he wouldn’t live to have grand-children. However, with every turn of his life he beat those odds. Even a stroke could not keep this man down. Unfortunately, he eventually met his match. A surgery that was supposed to make his life better is what made his life miserable. After having a knee replacement surgery dad started to have multiple health issues. He had multiple surgeries on that same knee, he lost function in his kidneys, and his liver gave out. He was on Dialysis for quite some time. He went in for what he thought was a day to be dialyzed and he was informed that it was no longer working for him and that he would be going home to our Lord soon. This news was obviously very heartbreaking for our family and especially him. Dad had lost many loved ones over his life and would soon be able to see them all again. The thought of losing him was beyond explanation. One thing that I remember my dad telling me though was that I should not be sad because he was not someone who was young and missing out on life. He had “LIVED!” For those of you who were blessed to know my dad you know that part is very true. My dad denitely lived. He never let life hold him back in any way. If I were to say my favorite thing, I learned from him was anything, it would be that tomorrow is never promised and you should not be afraid to take chances. It is because of my dad that I believe so strongly in donating blood. My dad needed 27 units of blood in the last few years of his life. 27 units means 135 people needed to donate blood as well as their time. I am really hoping that by reading this small blip of my dads’ story will urge more people to please donate. It really does not take much time and you never know; you could be saving the life of someone you love. You could be extending the time that another family will spend with their loved one. Please sign up to donate today.https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/134935This is Don Pocsi, my dad

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 15WITH ACE REWARDS CARD*WITH ACE REWARDS CARD*WITH ACE REWARDS CARD*WITH ACE REWARDS CARD*EGO™ POWER+ 56 Volt Select Cut™ Touch Drive™ Self-Propelled Mower noi-muihtil pma 5.7 sedulcnI •battery with rapid charger• Up to 60-minute run time• 21” multi-blade cutting deck egrahcsid edis ,gab raeR •and mulch capability$649.99 -$50$599997006686Limit 1 at this price.Self-Propelled Mower, 7804826...$549.99 -$50 With Ace Rewards Card,* You Pay $499.99. Limit 1 at this price.RED HOT BUYEGO™ POWER+ 56 Volt Blower & Trimmer Combo Kit dipar sah remmirt gnirts ”51 •reload head• 530 cfm handheld blower noi-muihtil pma 5.2 sedulcnI •battery and charger7007093Limit 1 at this price. $279.99 -$30$24999EGO™ POWER+ 56 Volt String Trimmer noi-muihtil pma 5.2 sedulcnI •battery with charger• Up to 30-minute run time• 15” cut, .095” line ,deeps elbaira •brushless motor7804818Limit 1 at this price. RED HOT BUY Hedge Trimmer, 7804784...$199.99 -$20 With Ace Rewards Card,* You Pay $179.99. Limit 1 at this price.$229.99 -$30$19999EGO™ POWER+ 56 Volt 530 CFM Handheld Blowerregrahc htiw yrettab noi-muihtil pma 5.2 sedulcnI •• Up to 75-minute run time on low speed•  ariable speed up to 530 cfm7804792Limit 1 at this price. 650 CM Handheld Blower , 7006685...$299.99 RED HOT BUY String Trimmer, 7804867...$179.99 -$20 With Ace Rewards Card,* You Pay $159.99. Limit 1 at this price.$179.99 -$20$15999SPRING SALE APRIL 14–26EGO is the #1 rated battery-powered outdoor platformEXPERIENCE THE POWER AT ACEGET POWERED UP FOR SPRINGACEHARDWARE.COM/POWERDAY S155 E Division St • Sparta, MI616.887.7381Buy online & same day pick up!Open: M-F 8am-7pm, and Saturday 8am-5pm, closed SundayMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil or Whitney Farms®Organic Raised Bed Mix, 1.5 Cu. Ft.7438286, 7438302, 7438310,7438336, 7505977 Limit 60 at this price.RED HOT BUYSALEWITH A CE REWARDS CARD*$8.49 -$2$649eachScotts® EZ Seed®, 10 Lb.7206436, 7229404, 7246051 Limit 2 at this price.RED HOT BUYSALEWITH A CE REWARDS CARD*$2199each $28.99 -$7*Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer Ready-to-Use or Concentrate Plus7317464, 74142 Limit 2 at this price.RED HOT BUYWITH A CE REWARDS CARD$23.99 -$4$1999each Preen® Extended Control Weed Preventer, 4.93 Lb.7599749Limit 2 at this price.13.75 Lb., 7795586... SALE $44.99 -$5 With Ace Rewards Card,* You Pay $39.99. Limit 2 at this price.SAL EWITH A CE REWARDS CARD *$1499$19.99 -$5$Y Scotts® 4 Step® Annual ProgramWITH A CE REWARDS CARD *$214.99 -$50$164997287162Limit 2 at this price.4 Step® Annual Seeding Program, 15,000 Sq. Ft., 7287618...$259.99 75 With Ace Rewards Card,* ou Pay $184.99. Limit 2 at this price.RED HOT BUY15,000 SQ. FT.Scotts® 4 StepAnnual Program7287154Limit 2 at this price.4 Step Annual Seeding Program, 5000 Sq. Ft., 7287188... 99.99 - 30 With Ace Rewards Card,* You Pay 69.99. Limit 2 at this price.RED HOT BUY5,000 SQ. FT.WITH A CE REWARDS CARD*84.99-$206499$

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16 April 2021 SpartaTodAyCelebrating 27 Year’s in BusinessI went into the Navy at 18 for 6 years. After getting home to Grant, where I was raised, I worked for Kroll Furnace for 6 years. Then I started my business and have been growing strong ever since. I brought my son in to the business 6 years ago. We are looking forward to serving this area for many years to come. We want to thank the community and appreciation of business with a coupon for a furnace and cleaning check for only $69.95.CustomerCOMFORTHEATING & COOLING, INC.Kevin Wood • customercomfort@yahoo.com616-887-2359Satisfaction Guaranteed • 24-Hour Service AvailableNew Homes • Residential | Heating & Cooling SystemsFurnace & Cleaning Check$6995FORONLYPresent coupon with order. Expires May 31, 2020866-9593 • 240 NorthlaNd drive • rockford • www.br-law.netEstate Planning • Probate • Business LawReal Estate • Criminal LawBLAKESLEEROP, PLCATTORNEYS AT LAWBLAKESLEEROP, PLCATTORNEYS AT LAWWhy we ❤ Sparta175th Sparta Birthday Celebration!Did you know Sparta is celebrating its 175th birthday this year?! Our historians are busy pulling out some of the best histor-ical facts about the last 175 years to showcase interesting stories, articles and facts in collectable articles! Check out the upcoming June Sparta TODAY Newspaper for the rst batch of commem-orative stories and see all the ways Sparta is celebrating its 175 years throughout the entire summer of events!Celebrating 175 years - Tell us what you love about Sparta!This year Sparta celebrates its 175th anniversary! So much about Sparta has changed- but there are many things that remain the same: Sparta is a great place to live, work and play! We want to hear from you!This year we want to commemorate all the great things about Sparta from the viewpoint of our residents and community leaders. Send us your photo and a brief note about what you think is great about Sparta and how you think it's changed for the better. Submit your entry to ddadirector@spartami.org for a chance to be included in our newspaper Sparta TODAY. Lucky entries will be featured throughout year as we commemorate this important anniversary.A few responses include:I love the fact that Sparta has hosted the Freedom Cruise, honoring our veterans and West Michigan fallen hero’s for seven straight years. It is arguably the most important event in West Michigan and Sparta understands!! See you all once again on Sep-tember 11th. NEVER FORGET!- Tom AntorWhy I love Sparta .. it's my home. I raised two great kids there.. met great people .. was able to walk in and say hey let's race couches up the street .. or hey let's do an ice skating rink .. sumo wrestler at the beer tent .. the best part when I went to New York City ground zero for COVID-19 and how the community supported me sending me messages texts of encouragement.. - Lisa BuddNotes of why “WE LOVE SPARTA!”

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 172021 SPARTA VILLAGE & TOWNSHIPSPRING CLEAN-UPSparta Village and Township will be holding a Spring Clean-Up for residents beginning on Thursday, April 22rd and connuing through Saturday, April 24th. Hours of operaon for each day are as follows:Day Date Start Time End TimeThursday April 22, 2020 1:00 PM 8:00 PMFriday April 23, 2020 1:00 PM 8:00 PMSaturday April 24, 2020 9:00 AM 3:00 PMIn 2017 the Village & Township made a number of changes to what is accepted. Please review the list below to confirm the item you are bringing is accepted. ACCEPTED ITEMS: (Residents are expected to unload their own yard waste and materials.) Appliances – Refrigerators will have to have coolant removed w/certificate (check with an appliance store) Electronics, Computers – (No CRT TV’s, CRT Monitors or leaded glass TV’s will be accepted. If it has a curved lens, we will not accept it.) Scrap Metal (Tin, Steel, Aluminum) Furniture, Mattresses, Miscellaneous large itemsTires (limit of 4 per household) – Must have rim removed Propane Tanks, Car Batteries, Household batteries  Yard Waste – Grass, Leaves, branches and limbs smaller than four (4”) inches in diameter.WE WILL NOT ACCEPT:  Household Trash or Waste Hazardous Waste (No Liquids, Gas Tanks, CO2 Cylinders, paint thinners, Weed Killers, Bug Sprays, Oil Based Paint, Acids). Please contact Kent County 616-632-7939 for directionon disposal Construction or building materials (scrap metal accepted per list above)Vehicles of any kind or Boats over 12 feet in length Fluorescent light bulbsID’S WILL BE CHECKED AT THE GATEϮϬϮϭ^WZds/>>'Zh^,K>>d/KE/E&KZDd/KEdŚĞsŝůůĂŐĞŽĨ^ƉĂƌƚĂWtǁŝůůďĞŐŝŶďƌƵƐŚƉŝĐŬƵƉƐƚĂƌƚŝŶŐŽŶƉƌŝůϱ͕ϮϬϮϬ͘ƌƵƐŚǁŝůůďĞƉŝĐŬĞĚƵƉƚŚĞ&/Z^d&h>>tKZ<t<ŽĨĞĂĐŚŵŽŶƚŚ͘Zh^,Dh^dhZ^/zϳ͗ϬϬDDKEzŽĨƚŚĞǁĞĞŬƚŚĞďƌƵƐŚŝƐƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞĚƚŽďĞƉŝĐŬĞĚƵƉ͘/ĨŶŽƚŽƵƚďǇƚŚĂƚDŽŶĚĂǇĂŶĚƚŚĞĐŚŝƉƉĞƌŐŽĞƐďǇ͕ƉůĞĂƐĞŵĂŬĞĂƌƌĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚƐƚŽďƌŝŶŐǇŽƵƌďƌƵƐŚďĞŚŝŶĚƚŚĞWt'ĂƌĂŐĞ͘Brush size will be limited to a maximum diameter of four inches (4”). Only branches, trees, and ůŝŵďs smaller than four inches (4”) in diameter will be picked up by the Village crews. Any limbs or branches larger than four inches (4”) in diameter will be left curbside. The pickͲƵƉƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞŝƐĂƐĨŽůůŽǁƐ͗tĞĞŬWŝĐŬĞĚƵƉƉƌŝůϱͲϵDĂǇϯͲϳ:ƵŶĞϳͲϭϭ:ƵůǇϱͲϵƵŐƵƐƚϮͲϲ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌϲͲϭϬKĐƚŽďĞƌϰͲϴWůĞĂƐĞƉůĂĐĞďƌƵƐŚďĞƚǁĞĞŶƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬĂŶĚĐƵƌď͕EKdŝŶƚŚĞƐƚƌĞĞƚ͕ǁŝƚŚĐƵƚĞŶĚƐůǇŝŶŐŝŶƚŚĞƐĂŵĞĚŝƌĞĐƚŝŽŶ͘DŽŶƚŚůǇďƌƵƐŚƉŝĐŬƵƉǁŝůůĞŶĚKĐƚŽďĞƌϴ͕ϮϬϮϭ͘:ƵƐƚĂƌĞŵŝŶĚĞƌ–ƚŚĞsŝůůĂŐĞĚŽĞƐEKdƉŝĐŬƵƉůĞĂǀĞƐ͕ŐĂƌĚĞŶǁĂƐƚĞŽƌŐƌĂƐƐĐůŝƉƉŝŶŐƐĚƵƌŝŶŐďƌƵƐŚƉŝĐŬƵƉ͘sŝůůĂŐĞƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐĐĂŶĚƌŽƉůĞĂǀĞƐ͕ŐĂƌĚĞŶǁĂƐƚĞ͕ŐƌĂƐƐĐůŝƉƉŝŶŐƐand brush not larger than 4” in diameterďĞŚŝŶĚƚŚĞsŝůůĂŐĞŽĨ^ƉĂƌƚĂWtƵŝůĚŝŶŐĂƚϮϳϲt͘ŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ^ƚƌĞĞƚĚƵƌŝŶŐƌĞŐƵůĂƌǁŽƌŬŚŽƵƌƐ͘WůĞĂƐĞƉůĂĐĞŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůŶĞǆƚƚŽƚŚĞůĂƌŐĞƌĞǆŝƐƚŝŶŐƉŝůĞĂŶĚŶŽƚŝŶƚŚĞƉĂƌŬŝŶŐůŽƚ͘EKĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂůĚƵŵƉŝŶŐ͘EKƐƚƵŵƉƐ͘ID’s ŵĂǇďĞĐŚĞĐŬĞĚďĞĨŽƌĞǇŽƵƵŶůŽĂĚƚŽĐŽŶĨŝƌŵǀŝůůĂŐĞƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐǇ͘ůƐŽĂƐĂƌĞŵŝŶĚĞƌ͕ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐdƌĞĞƐĐĂŶďĞĚƌŽƉƉĞĚŽĨĨďĞŚŝŶĚƚŚĞWtďƵŝůĚŝŶŐƐƚĂƌƚŝŶŐƚŚĞDŽŶĚĂǇĂĨƚĞƌŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ͘/ĨǇŽƵŚĂǀĞĂŶǇƋƵĞƐƚŝŽŶƐ͕ƉůĞĂƐĞĐĂůůdŚĞsŝůůĂŐĞKĨĨŝĐĞĂƚ;ϲϭϲͿϴϴϳͲϴϮϱϭŽƌƚŚĞWtƐƚĂĨĨĂƚ;ϲϭϲͿϴϴϳͲϵϯϬϯ͘Per Section 78-75 of Sparta Village Code of Ordinances, noxious weeds, grass more than eight inches in height, dead bushes, dead trees, and stumps and bushes and trees infested with dangerous insects or infectious diseases must be cut and removed from the property during the growing season, namely April 15th through October 15th of each year. If the owner, agent or occupant refuses to destroy the noxious weeds and vegeta-tion, the village or its contractor may, after May 1 of the given year, enter upon the land and destroy them and remove them. If unpaid, the cost of removal shall be assessed as a lien against the land, which shall be enforced in the manner of enforcement of tax liens. Any owner who refuses to destroy and remove noxious weeds and vegetation shall also be responsible for a municipal civil infraction.Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact Sparta Village Hall at (616) 887-8251 or email CodeEnforcement@SpartaMI.org.Tall Grass and Noxious Vegetation NoticeSparta Township invites you to sign up to receive Township news and information by email. See the new Township Email List signup form on our webpage, www.spartatownship.org, just below the large "Quick Links" buttons.From time to time, the Township will send email messages to enrolled members. We will focus the emails on timely topics and notices. Our goal is to improve communication with our citizens.We will not share your email address with anyone else, nor use it for any commercial purpose.Sign up and become a member of our Township email mes-sage list! We are happy to serve you.Get Township News in Your EmailThe Village of Sparta will be conducting the annual spring Hydrant Flushing and Maintenance Program begin-ning April 12, 2021 weather permitting. Not knowing if weather will cooperate we have a tentative end date of April 30, 2021. During this time you may notice an occasional decrease in water pressure and possibly some slight cloudiness in the water. Most residents will see no change in their water supply. If you should notice a change in the appearance of your water, simply let the water run until it clears, usually within several minutes. There is no cause for concern with respect to the safety of your water supply and the Village performs this service twice a year to maintain a safe, reliable and abundant supply of water for our residents. This program also ensures that the Fire Hydrants in our Village are operating correctly and avail-able for use in an emergency. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Brinks – DPW Supervisor, at the Vil-lage of Sparta, at 887-9303.Hydrant ushing

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18 April 2021 SpartaTodAyIf you’re one of those people using your time at home to polish up your talents, we want to hear from you. If you sing, or play an instru-ment or if you long to join your peers in a play, or love standup comedy. Or maybe you dance in front of the mirror? If you paint or draw or take photographs….or may-be you make jewelry or other original creations? Maybe you love magic or mime performances?Whatever you love about the arts, we’re waiting to hear from you. The West Michigan Arts Council is producing a virtual online Commu-nity Talent Show. Just take a photo or produce a video of your favorite performance or visual artwork and email it to us. It’s that simple to participate in our rst ever virtual Talent Show. Our judges will review all entries and decide on the winners; rst prize winner in Performance categories and rst prize in Visual Art catego-ries will each win $50. Second prize winners in both Performance categories and Visual Arts categories will each win $25. These cash prizes will be presented to a total of four winning entries during the Sparta Carnival & Sidewalk Sale event on May 22. Winning entries will be posted to our website during June 2021.Visit our website at https://www.wmartsc.org for more information on the West Michigan Arts Council, a 501(c)3 nonprot registered in Michigan with oces in the Sparta Chamber of Commerce building.Virtual Online Community Talent Show Sparta Celtic Festwww.wmartsc.org • Facebook.com/WestMichiganArts/ • 616-560-7156Arts Rockford is funded in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Aairs, the Nation-al Endowment for the Arts and regional re-granting agency Lowell Arts!

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 19Every year we perform a large, exciting production of some well-known show. We have showcased Grease, Hairspray, Aladdin, The Greatest Show and this year, THE LION KING! As you can imagine, costumes are not easy when the entire cast is animals! We try to keep the cost of costumes reason-able; therefore, we do most of the accessories and props ourselves. Without the studio family volunteers that come to help, it would not be possi-ble to accomplish!!With the vision and guidance of director and owner Amber Marks, we have been blessed with multiple volunteers who have worked seemingly endless hours to put together cheetahs, monkeys, zebras, ostriches, hyenas and of course many lions. Costumes, hairdos, and intricate make up have been designed and mastered. We are now ready to go on stage on Saturday, May 15. If you are interested in joining us, please contact us at the studio or by calling Edna at 231 638-7460 after April 18 to request tickets. Tickets are $10 a piece.You have heard it said, “It takes a village to raise a child.”Well, here at Dance with Me by Amber Marie we have a studio family!!We hope you can come and join us, as we present our latest dance musical, THE LION KING!!!By Jim TuinstraThis is the second in the series of Sparta teachers/coaches/athletes and consists of two gentlemen who were as known for their work in administration as they were for teaching and coaching. Both were athletic directors as well as principals along with being teachers and coaches. Arnie DePagter came to Sparta from Wisconsin through Hope College in the 1964-1965 school year, teaching both English (his major) and Spanish (his minor) , as well as leading the popular Mexican trips and Spanish estas. He taught through the 1990-1991 years while also being the part-time athletic director from 1973-1978. After retiring from teaching, Mr. DePagter went back fulltime to being the AD during 1991-1996, nishing up being named West Michigan Ofcials AD for the 1996 year. He also was elected to the Sparta Township Historical Commission Notables in 2018. While in high school in Oostburg, Wisconsin, a small farming community, he participated in football, track and volleyball. He started out at Sparta coaching JV wrestling from 1965-1968, but was best known for coaching baseball. He coached the JV team from 1965 to 1968. In 1969, Jim Dickey moved to Godwin and Arnie took over the varsity job. He coached for ve years until 1973, winning three straight championships from 1971-1973 behind strong pitching staffs. It is amazing that he coached two sports in which he did not participate and did an amazing job. Still living in the Sparta area, Arnie has been married for 53 years to Renae (Wilmarth) DePagter. They have two children-Tony (Kim) and Andrea (DePagter) Murdock and ve grandchildren. Arnie continues to be a ne Christian example to those with whom he comes in contact. Carl Hornbrook grew up right next door to Sparta in Rockford-yes, our old rival-where he graduated from high school in 1942. He participated in four sports while in high school: football, basketball, baseball and track. He made all-conference in basketball and football, which led to his being selected Rockford’s senior male athlete-equivalent to Sparta’s James Warren award.After graduating, he went to Albion College, but the war interrupted his education as he went into the United States Navy. After his tour of duty ended, he returned to college and graduated in 1948. While at Albion, he played football and basketball and was named MVP of the football team. Later on he was inducted into three athletic Halls of Fame; he was inducted into the Albion Hall of Fame in 1997, followed up by being named to Rockford’s in 2002, and nally, in Sparta’s the following year. That is quite an achievement, three Halls of Fame in a six year period.Mr. Hornbrook started teaching at Sparta in 1957 in social studies. In the mid-sixties he took the job as athletic director and he held that until he moved up to the principal’s job in 1978, which he kept until retiring in 1987. He stayed involved in sports, though, announcing and sports boosters into retirement.He coached a multitude of sports at various levels over the years, coaching tennis, baseball, basketball, football and golf. He actually introduced golf as a sport while he was the AD at Sparta. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 78.Both Mr. Hornbrook and Mr. DePagter were teaching and coaching at the high school when I attended Sparta. Ironically, I never had either as a teacher or coach, but I worked under both when I came back later and taught at Sparta-Mr. Hornbrook as principal and Mr. DePagter as AD. I was really impressed with how they both handled their jobs with integrity. Arnie DePagter and Carl HornbrookArnie DePagterCarl HornbrookJasmyn, age 10 Michelle, age 16Lucky Local!Northwest Optometry patient Linda Nowatzke earned a Lucky & Local Scratch Off Ticket as a thank you for choosing local! The Sparta Chamber partnered with local businesses to thank our customers who choose local – it makes a stronger local economic climate! Over $14,000 in Sparta Bucks were given away as part of the March promotion. Hope you were a winner Linda!Pictured here, (left) Joanne Osmer employee at Northwest Optometry and (right) Linda Nowatzke

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 21Wrapping Up & Starting OverAs you read this article, we will have reached spring break, and will soon be returning to school for the last quarter of this school year. While our year has certainly been challenging, it has continued to go about as well as we could have expected. We are also at the point in the school year where we are planning for many end-of-year activities, but also in full planning and scheduling mode for the 2021-22 school year. I wanted to update everyone as to what is happening currently around our district, and what is in the planning stages for the summer and fall months ahead.We are planning for face-to-face instruction to continue for the remainder of this school year. Transmission rates of COVID in our schools remain low, and as long as we continue to employ our mitigation strategies (mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing, etc…) we are condent we can keep our staff and students in school safely. The majority of our staff has also been vaccinated helping to lower their risk. We are also hopeful that many end-of-year activities such as spring sports, concerts, awards, and graduation will take place with protocols in place to keep staff, students, and families safe. Graduation is currently planned outdoors for Spartan Stadium on May 27, with a rain date of May 28. The last day of school this year for all students is scheduled for June 4.We are also in the planning stages for a robust summer school program that will offer many free educational opportunities for our students. Funding for a summer program has recently been awarded to schools from COVID relief funds, so once we have our plan complete we will communicate to families and allow for registration to begin. Our hope is that families will be able to participate in as many or as few summer activities as you would like, but it will require advanced registration for us to staff and plan properly. Please look for this information to be available at the end of April or early May.In terms of the 2021-22 school year, there are still many questions that we may not be able to answer prior to the end of this school year. While we hope that all the COVID protocols and mitigation strategies will be able to be reduced, and all school-age children that choose to be vaccinated may have that option, we do expect some safety protocols to still be in place. For families that have chosen Sparta Virtual this school year, we still plan to offer it in 2021-22, but expect the number of requests to be much lower. Parents, please look for communication and surveys this spring that will allow you to choose the option that you feel is best for your child to begin the 2021-22 school year. We will have a deadline to sign up and commit to Sparta Virtual this summer so we can plan and staff our programs accordingly. Currently we are planning for the rst day of school for students this fall to be August 24.Lastly, I wanted to share and thank our community for your continued support!! As you know, with the support of our 2016 bond, we were able to open our new middle school this fall. The new building is beautiful and has made school this year, especially with all the COVID protocols, much better for our staff and students. We are still hopeful this spring that we may be able to hold an open house for parents of current middle school students, and also for our community, to help us celebrate this new building. Please look for communication when and if this option becomes available.We also have been working throughout this school year on our old middle school, to renovate the space into our new Early Childhood Center. Work will be wrapping up on this project in April/May, and we are planning for some of our summer daycare programs to be in the new building when school is out in June. Due to the cost savings we have experienced with all our bond projects thus far we have been able to accomplish much more with this renovation than was originally planned back in 2016. We have been able to fully renovate 17 classrooms for our early childhood programs, add a new secure main entrance and ofce space, and create an incredible indoor/outdoor playground space. While there are spaces in the building that have not been fully renovated, we will continue to utilize the gym and locker rooms for our athletic teams and community groups, our old science wing will be transformed into our new adult education center, and a wing of the building has been left to support any future growth needs. While early in the bond process there were discussions about “knocking down” part of the building, we did not feel that was the best option at this time. The district will still be reducing our footprint by demolishing the old eldhouse, closing and possibly selling the White Early Childhood building, and selling some of the land from our old stadium to Tesa Tape to expand their operations in Sparta. We are planning to hold an open house this fall in our new Early Childhood Center to share this new space as well.Part of the 2016 bond was also to move as many varsity athletic programs as possible to our high school site. We recently broke ground on new tennis courts east of the high school that will serve our boys and girls tennis programs for the future. This project was possible again due to the cost savings we have experienced in all our projects thus far. As part of this project we will also be creating a balleld and walking track around our new middle school and improving the balleld and tennis courts behind Appleview. This will be our last major project with the 2016 bond and allow all our students to have access to some great spaces for physical education, athletics, and after school hours for community groups. Our new tennis courts should be ready for school use in August, just in time for the fall tennis season!!As always, it is an exciting time to be a Spartan!! As we come out of this year-long pandemic and slowly return to “normal” we are blessed to be part of a growing, supportive community. Spring has sprung, and with it, our hope for what lies ahead. Please stay safe, help us keep others safe, and let’s end this school year on a strong note!!With Spartan Pride,Pete Bush, SuperintendentSparta Area SchoolsBELL RINGERHome of the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School www.spartaschools.orgFebruary 2021New Tennis Facility - to open August 2021Courtyard Playground - New Early Childhood CenterRenovated Classroom at New Early Childhood Center

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22 April 2021 SpartaTodAyBELL RINGER22 BellringerBy Sandy DavisIt is a tradition at Appleview to let the students design their school yearbook cover. All art classes, third through fth, participate. Using their drawing and writing skills, as well as what they’ve learned in art class, each student creates an Appleview Elementary 2020-2021 yearbook cover. We have conversations about the culture of Appleview and what is popular or trending right now. Once classrooms are finished with their yearbook covers they have individual classroom votes. They vote for their favorite three from their room. The two winners from each classroom will be displayed for everyone to view for our school wide vote. Each class will have time to vote for their favorite three designs. The one with the most votes will be the cover. The second highest will be on the backside of our yearbook. I then take the next top 12 to be displayed on the inside of the yearbook. This is always a favorite art project for the students and a great way for them to demonstrate how they can independently use the Elements of Art in their artwork. With the strange school year we’ve had, it will be interesting to see what the students will come up with and what designs will win.Appleview Yearbook Cover ContestBy Sandy DavisJust before Thanksgiving, Sparta students went virtual. I was worried how that would work for me as an art teacher. Needless to say, I didn’t have to worry. I met with each class during their normal art time through a Google Meet. The students at Appleview were awesome. About 87% of Appleview students par-ticipated. I designed a Pop Art Lesson using Google Slides and the students followed along beautifully. We focused on the artist Andy Warhol. Their assign-ment was to nd an object from somewhere in their house. It could be a can of something (spaghetti O’s, pie lling, pop/soda, or vegetables), box of Cheez-Its, Granola Bars, cookies, crackers, Mac and Cheese, a jar of peanut butter or jelly, ketchup, mustard, mayo, or pickles. They could use a tube of toothpaste, candle, cereal, nail polish, crayons, markers, etc… They used the white construction paper I sent home or what they had available to create an Andy Warhol inspired art piece. The third graders folded their paper in half and the fourth and fth graders folded theirs into fourths. They drew their object in each box. We then took time to review color theory before coloring their objects. One of their objects had to be colored in the way it originally looks. They also had to color in each section of their background. I asked them to bring their n-ished artwork in when we returned in person. In our lobby you can see the amazing results.Virtual Pop Art

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SpartaTodAy April 2021 23BELL RINGER22 Bellringer 23 BellringerEach year, grant rounds are held to fund creative, innovative, enriching ideas initiated by Sparta Staff. SEF welcomed and approved the following requests during the current, challenging times of Covid19. We are so grateful for all the incredible efforts Sparta staff continue to give to elevate learning opportunities at every level!Whooo's Reading Motivate/empower students to read books based on personal skill levels, interests, and experiences; reward students for completing progresstoward reading goals; develop critical writing skills by com-pletion of interactive comprehension-based questions (Alec Dood @SMS)Book Boxes Make student reading materials readily accessible as books are stored in individual, sturdy containers (Amy Smith @RV)Training Software Enable students to track and maintain tness activities and personal data/statistics both in school and at home during Covid19 shut-downs (Michael Graham @HS)Appleview Nature Trails Supplement DNR/DTE Energy grant to help purchase 32 large native trees;SEF paid for a portion of the cost of trees and for deer protection tape and spray (Sue Blackall environmental enrichment teacher@ large)4 Jabra Speakers Aid teachers in communicating clearly with students quarantined at home during on-line learning (Mike Birely @Appleview)30 Headphones with Noise Canceling Microphones Assist students in recording and listening to themselves reading (partner reading not an option because of Covid19) (Marcia Powell @Ridgeview)18 Ozobots for STEM Classes Provide beginning robotics and coding opportunities to all students (Michelle Barber @Ridgeview)Bus Buddies Obtain large stued animals to serve as companions for students on special education bus thereby reducing behavior issues (Jon Long @Ridgeview)Mindful Moments Assemble activities for short, engaging breaks to enable students to de-stress and quickly re-focus during Covid19 restrictions (David Oudbier, Ashley Shelner @Appleview)Writing and Photography Employ cameras to develop students' writing skills through visual evaluation (Steve Duyck @SHS)Cornhole Develop lifelong physical education skills and habits through use of eight cornhole sets (Devin Banagis @ SMS)Back Up Cash Provide reward activities for at risk students working with Sgt. Roe (Sparta’s on campus police presence)Middle School Band Instrument Expansion Purchase tuba to be used in band program (Whitney Brainard @SMS)2020-2021REQUESTS GRANTED BY SPARTA EDUCATION FOUNDATIONPLATINUM SPONSORSAmerican Financial Account-ingKnowlton & Mason DentistrySundaes at the ParkTasty TreatTruck Repair ServiceVanderWer & May BuildersGOLD SPONSORSAd SolutionsChoiceOne Mortgage - Nick & Laurie LewisKelly & Toni PotesSUPER SPONSORSA&B Mechanical ContractorsBob & Ann DerckChoiceOne BankColdwell BankerCompass Credit UnionHessel-Cheslek Funeral HomeLane & Reed Insurance Larry & Sally CarterMichigan Apple PickersOttawa Kent InsuranceScare ChiropracticSparta ChevySparta LanesSparta Tire ServiceWeingartz Supply CompanySILVER SPONSORSAnn Marie's Hair CareBC Pizza Beuschel Sales Inc.Biggby'sBig Joe'sBob ShiradoCelebration CinemaGrand Rapids Childrens MuseumChris Lerchen Insurance Co.Downtown Trini'sFamily Farm & HomeGreat Lakes Glow GolfGrand Rapids Drive Grand Rapids Public MuseumHometown PharmacyHoward Christensen Nature CenterJacobsen's FloralJohn Ball ZooKeyser Insurance Group Mr. & Mrs. Kinney NAPA Auto & Truck PartsRidge RealtySam's ClubSparta ElevatorSparta P.C.Sparta Sport ShopSplit EndsSparta Village Ace HardwareTown & Country CarpetsTree Runner Adventure ParkWescoWhitecaps - West MIYMCAThe Sparta Education Association would once again like to acknowledge and thank all businesses who have so graciously supported RetroBowl. Because of your generosity, this annual event has thrived and grown.RETROBOWL DONOR THANK YOUEvery person and every organization has been forced to become creative, change, and grow as the events of the last 16 months have unfolded. Sparta Education Foundation has survived these tremendous challenges and continues to move forward just as every other successful entity has done.One of our rst changes began with cancel-ling the March 2020 RetroBowl, a fun, fund, and friend raiser held annually in cooperation with Sparta Lanes. We are forever indebted to all those businesses and individuals who sup-ported us then, and this year as well, nancial-ly and with gifts given in the form of in-kind donations to be used as prizes for each of the two sessions of bowling held at RetroBowl.After much discussion and the consider-ation of several options, the Sparta Education Foundation board recently determined, with much disappointment, that RetroBowl needed to be postponed until March of 2022 for the health and safety of all involved. All donations will be held until next year’s event, one truly worth celebrating as it will mark 25 years of fun, family bowling for a great cause: provid-ing the extras for education for Sparta Area Schools’ students.We as a board are delighted to invite the entire community to take part in our fund-raising event “Food for Thought” to be held Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 12PM to 9PM at Downtown Trini’s. All donations placed in our contribution containers will be used to enable SEF to continue fullling future grant requests presented to the board by Sparta staff. Not only will participants continue to support an amazing local business, they will also be a part of impacting the lives of Sparta students.Sparta Education Foundation has clearly grown in this past year. We have changed and learned to capitalize on the diverse opportuni-ties technology presents, just as Sparta School’s amazing staff and students have done. Zoom meetings became the norm for our board, but we are planning to resume in person meetings this month and create plans for celebrating our 30th year. We hope that all of you will contin-ue your support of SEF and join us in making a difference for all students.SPARTA EDUCATION FOUNDATION UPDATESEven Covid cannot dampen the excitement of “March is Reading Month!” Reading Month brings with it so many opportunities to promote the love of reading, as well as FUN in general. Many people are surprised to learn that even our middle grades and older students can love being read a great book. Mr. Jensen, School Board President, took time out from his normal “day job” to come into Appleview to read a hilarious book to kids in several classrooms. He even brought along some giggle-worthy props. Thank you, Mr. Jensen, for all of the laughter. Thanks, too, for showing us that reading (and our kids) are really worth it! March was Reading Month!

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24 April 2021 SpartaTodAyBELL RINGER24 BellringerFundraising activities for Sparta Senior Bash have been very limited this year due to the pandemic, so we’re reaching out to the Sparta community for help!If you or your business would like to make a donation to help the graduating class have a safe & fun-lled celebration, it would be GREATLY appreciated!Please reach out to the Senior Bash Committee at: shs.bash2021@gmail.com or send your donation to our address:SHS Senor BashPO Box 353Sparta, MI 49345**One fundraiser we ARE able to hold is a yard sign sale…. if you would like to purchase a YARD SIGN for your student, regardless of grade, please contact the above email address for information on how to order.**SPARTA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2021NEEDS YOUR HELP!*A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE AL-READY GENEROUSLY DONATED! On Wednesday February 3, students at Ap-pleview Elementary took part in Global School Play Day. Global School Play Day “is an event promoting the importance of unstructured play in schools.” At Appleview, and schools around the world, students stopped learning math, writing or reading skills and instead fo-cused on learning social and emotional skills, teamwork and an overall sense of the class-room bonding through the use of play.Students were encouraged to bring in board games, decks of cards, art supplies, blankets or other fun activities. The only rule was no electronics. From the beginning of the day to the end of the day, students were allowed to play whatever they wanted. What may have seemed like unstructured chaos was really students being kids and having fun while engaging in activities that allowed them to socialize with friends. It also allowed students the opportunity to step away from technology and spend time talking to others. Howard Christensen Nature Center donat-ed Snow Shoes so students in Mr. Oudbier’s class could try snowshoeing. Other classes took advantage of the snow and sunshine and spent time using the sledding hill on the Appleview Playground. At the conclusion of the day, stu-dents were asked to share their thoughts. Here is what they said...“It was fun today. I hope our class can do it again! My favorite part was going sledding with my friends! Yes it was worth doing it today and thank you!” Mason “I liked it all. But if we had to choose one thing it would be sledding or using snowshoes. One reason for sledding is that I could do it with my friends. One reason for doing the snowshoes is that that's not something that we do every day.” Lucy“My favorite thing about today was that we got to play games together. We also got to go sledding with each other.” BrendanStudents Put Aside Normal Learning for Something NewKids Who Care Businesses It all started one January day in Mrs. Kilpatrick’s 4th grade class when a student decided to draw comics and sell them to oth-er students for their classroom money. Other students followed and soon there were many students starting to create businesses. Mrs. Kilpatrick asked them if they would like to start some busi-nesses for real and donate the prots to a good cause. The class enthusiastically yelled YES! Two months later after creating a business plan, making prod-uct, designing a booth and hanging up posters for advertisements, the 7 businesses emerged and set up shop in the cafeteria during 4th grade lunch. These businesses were supported by our prin-cipal, Mr. Birely, many teachers, other 4th grade students and parents! The businesses included: Trio Comics, Cool Rocks, FTD, Arts for Hearts, Candy Kings, Crunchy Scrunchies and Necklaces 4OCEAN. The students were so engaged in this business adventure that they didn’t even realize all of the important lessons they were learning. Brock VanVliet said, “...it feels good to think about that we are helping out people, this planet and animals.” Almost $300 was raised and the class voted to donate their prots to 4OCEAN, which will clean up 7 pounds of trash and plastic from our oceans, and to adopt an arctic fox from the World Wildlife Federation.The most important lesson that these 4th graders learned is that they can make a difference in their world!This year the students at Appleview Elementary participated in the American Heart Association’s “Kid’s Heart Challenge.” This is an event that students at Applev-iew have been involved with for the past four years. The students spend the month of February learning about their hearts and how to keep them healthy both physically and emotionally.The last week in February the students participated in a “jump” day with several dif-ferent stations to practice and have fun with their jumping skills. Throughout the month the students also had the opportunity to raise funds for the American Heart Associa-tion. Once again our students and our Sparta community were amazing! The students set a record this year by rais-ing $10,156.16! The event was nalized with every student who raised at least $50.00 having an opportunity to throw a pie in Mr. Birely’s, Mr. Shuneson’s, or Mr. Harms face. All 76 stu-dents were more than happy to participate!Thanks again to our amaz-ing students and community for their support of the Amer-ican Heart Association!Kid’s Heart Challenge