Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day 2011





Alpine Township honored its veterans today at a short ceremony conducted at Pine Grove Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. this morning.  Supervisor Alex Arends read the Presidential Proclamation of Memorial Day, Deacon Jerry Roersma from Holy Trinity Catholic Church led a prayer.  Veterans buried in Alpine, Englishville and Pine Grove Cemeteries were honored as their names were read off.  This year, the names of those veterans who are buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery were also honored. Also participating in the service was Alpine Towship Treasurer Jim Townsend.  Assisting with the organization was Alpine Township Clerk Jean Wahlfield. Special thanks to the  American Legion Furniture City Post #258, and their Post Commander Cliff Bartrum,  and  Boy Scout Troop #223 under the leadership of Tim Pickard.

Raising the flag
 
12  gun salute

Holy Trinity Catholic Church Deacon and Alpine Twp. Fire Dep't Chaplain Jerry Roersma

Before the ceremony

Honoring the names of some of our deceased vererans was Treasurer Jim Townsend


Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday Afternoon at the Alpine Township Sports Complex

Always an opportunity for pictures of both children, youth and adults enjoying themselves. (At least until the rains came.)



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The Ridge Covenant Church Opens its Doors and Hearts to the Community

A new church is opening its doors to the the community and started out on the right foot by inviting the neighborhood to a BBQ both last Saturday and today.  Pastor Andy Parker and other members of the church were proud to show off their sanctuary at 4453 Fruitridge Ave in Alpine Township.  Currently, there are only bible classes planned for Sunday evenings and morning services are planned as soon as growth warrants it.

Doug Tinklenberg (left)  and Pastor Andy Parker enjoying a few moments with guests John and Doris McDonald from Sparta

Some of the hospitable hosts made visitors feel  at ease

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Adult Summer Softball

Interested in summer softball?  The Wolverine World Wide YMCA is in the process of organizing a summer softball league, after conducting a successful spring league.  Games were played at the Alpine Sports and Recreational complex.  Games will be scheduled there for the summer as well as long as there remains significant interest.  Please click here for more information.

President Obama Memorial Day Declaration



As we approach Memorial Day, please set aside a few moments this weekend to honor all those who served in the armed services,

In Alpine Township, we pay tribute by recognizing those men and women who served in the Armed Forces and are buried in Alpine Township cemeteries.  There will be a short ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetery, 6200 Vinton N.W. on Memorial Day, Monday May 30 at 11:00 a.m.  You are encouraged to attend and we recommend you bring a lawn chair.



Photograph by Clifford Oto

Those of us who served are well aware that the Chief Commanding Officer of the military is the President of the United States.  Following is the current Commander in Chief's 2011's Memorial Day's Declaration.

For over two centuries, brave men and women have laid down their lives in defense of our great Nation. These heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice so we may uphold the ideals we all cherish. On this Memorial Day, we honor the generations of Americans who have fought and died to defend our freedom.
Today, all who wear the uniform of the United States carry with them the proud legacies of those who have made our Nation great, from the patriots who fought at Lexington and Concord to the troops who stormed the beaches at Normandy. Ordinary men and women of extraordinary courage have, since our earliest days, answered the call of duty with valor and unwavering devotion. From Gettysburg to Kandahar, America's sons and daughters have served with honor and distinction, securing our liberties and laying a foundation for lasting peace.
On this solemn day in which Americans unite in remembrance of our country's fallen, we also pray for our military personnel and their families, our veterans, and all who have lost loved ones. As a grateful Nation, we forever carry the selfless sacrifice of our fallen heroes in our hearts, and we share the task of caring for those they left behind.
In his second Inaugural Address, in the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln called on our embattled Nation "to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations." On this Memorial Day, and every day, we bear a heavy burden of responsibility to uphold the founding principles so many died defending. I call on all Americans to come together to honor the men and women who gave their lives so that we may live free, and to strive for a just and lasting peace in our world.
In honor of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
I request the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Comstock Park Rotary Famous Chicken BBQ Today!

As of 7:00 a.m. this morning, the Comstock Park Rotary Famous BBQ Chicken Dinner sale at Dwight Lydel Park is still on for today from 11:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m. Come on out, bring your umbrella, and support your local Rotary Club.  See you there!
Bernie Spruit and Brent Beuschel helping set up yhe tents to keep you dry
Rain did not stop this set up crew from volunteering

Dan and Keith are eager to serve you.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

York Creek Playground

 There was plenty of activity Tuesday evening at the York Creek playground.



Tuesday Night Alpine Township Fire Department Practice

The Alpine Township  Fire Department conducted it's training at two homes that are scheduled for demolition.  Tonight's lessons related to ladders, both for accessing the roof of a structure as well as transporting victims to safety. 





Sunday, May 22, 2011

Fusbol for all Ages

It was a beautiful day Sunday and hundreds of people traveled to the Alpine Township recreation complex to play or enjoy some soccer games.  As usual, it was a family event for most in attendance.  Here are some pictures to enjoy from today's action.






The Pied Piper of Hamlin

Not everyone watches soccer

Check out these hot shoes


Columbia-Mex players getting instructions from the coach

Seasoned Referees

Intense conversation with church in the background

Too pretty a shot to pass up
 

Three of the officers of the Migrant League



Finding a bit of shade
 

One of 9 month old twins

The other 9 month old just is not ready for soccer yet




13-15 year olds