Sunday, September 29, 2013

Susan G. Komen 16th Race for the Cure

Susan G. Komen West Michigan hosted its 16th annual Race for the Cure ®., as part of the largest 5k run/fitness walk series in the world on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Rivertown Crossings Mall in Grandville. The race consisted of a 5k run/walk and a one mile community run/walk with funds raised benefiting local breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs.  Alpine Township Clerk Jean Wahlfield  walked with other Kent County Clerks.  Amongst other local people supporting the  cure and offering refreshments to the participants were members of Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm Market, 3025 6 Mile Road in Alpine Township.

The pink tractor is becoming a familiar sight.

They brought plenty of apples


Stephanie Shoemaker
 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Busy week at Alpine Township

Lamoreaux Sidewalk
The Kent County Road Commission completed the re-paving of Yorkland Drive. The State Highway Department is working on a pedestrian crossing on the south side of Lamoreaux at Alpine.  Alpine Township 's Lamoreaux Sidewalk project is progressing nicely, as is the redesign and reconstruction of Westgate Neighborhood Park.  Repairs have begun on a number of the Township's parking lots.  It feels good to get it all in before the start of winter.
 
Lamoreaux Sidewalk

Some of the saved play equipment can't wait to be re-installed
Westgate Neighborhood Park


 

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Mark Noseda Scholarship Fund Benefit Hosted at Amore's

Mark Noseda
Mark Noseda, the popular chef of  Grand Rapids-area restaurants Twisted Rooster and Crooked Goose, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013. He was 35.  He was known, loved and respected by many other chefs across the State.  His family and significant other started a Chef Mark Noseda Scholarship fund to help students attend GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

A charity brunch and auction in Noseda's memory took place this afternoon at Amore Trattoria Italiana Restaurant, 5080 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park. It was hosted by Amore chef Jenna Arcidiacono, and the event drew many talented chefs who prepared some wonderful entries and deserts and hundreds of friends and supporters.


Ice Sculptor Randy Finch with some of his deserts

Sushi at Amore is a rare treat, kept cold on some beautifully sculptured ice


Anna Mann, Manistee,  and her mother Sharon Detz from Grand Rapid making new friends.

Betsy Finch with hostess Jenna Arcidiacono

Some of the delicious deserts


Amore's has become a popular landmark in Alpine Township
 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Alpine Township at its best

Harvest time is definitely the most enjoyable time in Alpine Township.  On columns on the right of this blog you will find links to the many farmers markets in the Township.  Just a few miles from Grand Rapids on and off M37, come on up and enjoy the country!  There's more than just  apples waiting for you.








Schwallier's Country Baskets.  You and your kids will love it, located on M-37 and 9 Mile Road
 
What kids does not enjoy playing in or on the hay?



Kids love to feed the goats


Welcome,  inside the country store



Under the Pines' M-37 Alpine Ave and 7 Mile Rd NW

 
Join Maranda as she visits the Dunneback and Girls farm  on 6 Mile Road just north of Peach Ridge.   Check out the farm that went from green to pink.  Click here to view






 

Friday, September 20, 2013

National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2013

 
The United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families. Alpine Township was one of many communities in the Greater Grand Rapids area that passed proclamations declaring today as Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day in their local community.  Leaders from these communities were on hand this afternoon at a special ceremony conducted at the chapel of the Grand Rapids Veteran's facility in North Park.
 
 
NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY, 2013
- – - – - – -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Our country endures because in every generation, courageous Americans answer the call to serve in our Armed Forces. They represent the very best of the human spirit, stand tall for the values and freedoms we cherish, and uphold peace and security at home and around the globe. Today, we pay tribute to the service members who have not returned from the battlefield, we stand beside their families, and we honor those who are held captive as prisoners of war. We will never forget their sacrifice, nor will we ever abandon our responsibility to do everything in our power to bring them home.
America remains steadfast in our determination to recover our missing patriots. Our work is not finished until our heroes are returned safely to our shores or a full accounting is provided to their loved ones. We must care for the men and women who have served so selflessly in our name, and we must carry forward the legacy of those whose fates are still unknown. Today, and every day, we express our profound appreciation to our service members, our veterans, our military families, and all those who placed themselves in harm's way to sustain the virtues that are the hallmarks of our Union.
On September 20, 2013, the stark black and white banner symbolizing America's Missing in Action and Prisoners of War will be flown over the White House; the United States Capitol; the Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs; the Selective Service System Headquarters; the World War II Memorial; the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; United States post offices; national cemeteries; and other locations across our country. We raise this flag as a solemn reminder of our obligation to always remember the sacrifices made to defend our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 20, 2013, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day of honor and remembrance with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.
BARACK OBAMA

 
 

We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of dignity and honor near the head table. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks.
They are referred to as POW's and MIA's.

We call them comrades.

They are unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight, so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and bear witness to their continued absence.
This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.

The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
The single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood they many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt on the plate symbolizes the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.
The glass is inverted - they cannot toast with us this night.

The chair is empty - they are not here.
Let us pray to our Heavenly Father that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks.

Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices.
May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families
 

Matt Van Heulen Recognized for Contributions to Alpine Townhip

Matt Van Heulen
Thursday evening, the Alpine Township Planning Commission set aside a few minutes to recognize Matt Van Heulen for the contributions he made to the Planning Commission over the past four years.  Matt resigned from his position as he is moving to the neighboring city of Walker. Matt is the owner of Clear Advantage Mechanical.  Prior to serving on the Planning Commission, Matt served on the Alpine Township Zoning Board of Appeals.  The Planning Commission took a break and members and guests shared cake and coffee. Alpine Township Supervisor Alex Arends and Township Planning Director Sue Becker presented Matt with a Certificate of Appreciation.  Last week the Alpine Township Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Mike O'Malley to fill Matt's vacancy.  Mike currently serves as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. 





Sue Becker, Alex Arends, Matt Van Heulen

Planning Commission members and Township Staff from left to right Chuck Jakems, Greg Madura,  Bruce Lee (Chairman), Matt Van Heulen, Jerry Byrne, Mike Kaynor, Rose Kogge (Recording Secretary), Sue Becker (Planning Director), Ron Cordes
 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Update on Westgate Neighborhood Park

Work has begun on the renovation of Westgate Community Park.  When work is completed next month the park's tennis courts will be repaved, a five foot wide walking track will be added, along with some new playground equipment and a basketball hoop.
 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Construction of Lamoreaux Sidewalks on the Way

Work began this week on the construction of a one mile five foot wide sidewalk on the south side of Lamoreaux Ave. NW in Alpine Township.   When complete, it will link the existing sidewalk in Plainfield Township to M-37 Alpine Avenue.














 

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Red Brick School Reunion at Alpine Township Museum

The building may be gone but a number of students that attended the Red Brick School House  came to the Alpine Township Museum today.  The school that was located at 6 Mile Rd. and Stage Ave dates back a long way .






Shirley McCracken (left) attended Red Brick School House.  She brought her 98 1/2 year old mother Madelyn Klenk along with her.  Madelyn's father was a teacher at Red Brick School.

New at the museum this week is a grave stone to honor those ancestors who are known to have been buried at the Alpine Cemetery but whose gravestones are gone
 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Happy Birthday, Perrin Brewing Company!

Perrin Brewing Co. celebrated its first birthday with a Backyard Beer Bash on Saturday. The Alpine Township brewery located at 5910 Comstock Park Dr. hosted  musical guests, barbecue, two dozen beers, some which were being tasted for the first time.
 
 The celebration began at 11:30 a.m. and continued through the evening. Specialty food was served and included pulled pork,  chicken, pickled vegetable spinach wrap with hummus and rice fritters.  Live Music was provided by Kastanza, The Northern Skies, Healing Power, Afro Zuma, Cheap Girls, La Familia, and UV Hippo.
 
Some of the festive crowd brought their own chairs to enjoy the bands, while Perrin Brewing provided a big tent A  large crowd was on hand and enjoyed the refreshments, food, music, craft displays and great weather. The bash was exceptionally well organized for a first time event.


 
 
 
 
 


Deputies described the crowd as "passive"

At one of the craft booths

Some special art work being performed



One of the Art Prize projects being promoted.  The intent is to cover as many street corners as possible with volunteers welcoming visitors to Art Prize.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/209555025875204/

Some of the hops growing in Perrin's gardens