More Sunday Soccer Pictures

More Sunday fun at the Alpine Township Sports Complex

Kent City Baptist Church Hosts Softball Tournament

The softball fields at Alpine Township's Sport's Complex were reserved this Saturday for a tournament sponsored by the Kent City Baptist Church.  Numerous church teams from the Kent City, Casnovia. Sparta and Grant areas participated.

Supporters from Grant Christian Reformed Church

Westgate Area Water Improvements

Representatives from the Kent County Road Commission, Dykema Excavating, the Plainfield Water Department and Alpine Township met with engineers from Prein & Newhof  Thursday morning to discuss the progress of the water improvements project in the Westgate area of Alpine Township.  Much discussion focused on lawn reparation which up to this point is considered totally unacceptable. While heat and insufficient watering may have contributed to poor lawn replacement, the quality and quantity of top soil needs to be looked at again.  There was also concern expressed about the length of time it was taking to repair certain street corners, particularly the corner of Westgate and Westshire, where work was started about six weeks ago.  Part of the reason for this is a delay in getting positive test results of the water quality.   Bad results could cause the road to be closed again.  The Kent County Road Commission is anxious to restore that intersection at the earliest possible time.  Hopefully in early September, lawn reparation will be revisited by the sub-contractor. 

Regarding driveway reparation, most residents have been pleased.  The actual water pipe replacements is also coming along on schedule.  The residents in this neighborhood have been more than patient with all the construction and the frustrations that can go along with such a project.  Alpine Township, and all those involved, wish to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support.  Anyone with issues or questions can direct them at the Alpine Township Supervisor Alex Arends at 616-784-1262 or e-mail a.arends@alpinetwp.org

While the old water mains are replaced by new ones as each section is completed, there will not be a significant change in water pressure until the entire project is completed.  That date has now been projected sometime in September.  There are still a number of residents who have not picked up and installed their water pressure reducing valve. It is suggested that those who received a letter earlier this year to pick up their PRV at the Township office do so at their earliest convenience and make arrangements to have them installed.

Reviewing progress of the Water Improvement Project

Comstock Park Rotary Members Meet new KDL Director

Members of the the Comstock Park Rotary Club were introduced to the new executive director of the Kent District Library today.  Werner took over this position earlier this year.  He came here from Lansing, MI where he served as chief executive officer and director of the Capital Area District Library.

Previously Werner served as the library law specialist at the Library of Michigan. He is a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan and received a master’s degree in library and information science.  A week ago last Monday, Lance made a presentation to the Alpine Township Board of Trustees. He is a great supporter of the Kent District Library and called it one of the best in the nation.  Last year, KDL was one of only two library systems in Michigan to be honored as a Star Library.  Werner welcomed new technology in delivering electronic books and other media to the public.  He encouraged Rotarians by saying that the best way to help the Kent District Library is by utilizing it.

Lance Werner is a member of the Grand Rapids Rotary Club.

Lance Werner (right) was introduced by Comstock Park Rotarian Nancy Mulder, Manager of the Comstock Park Library on West River Road

Summer Bash at Applebee's

Applebee's held its Sumer Bash this evening with special entertainment fo the kids until 8:00 PM, and a live band that began at 9:00 PM.  There were special prices on refreshments and some menu items, and face painting, and there was a fund raiser to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.

These gentlemen found Applebee's the perfect place for a business dinner meeting.  The two men on the right from New Jersey were impressed by Alpine Township hospitality.

Some of the crew at Applebee's who were anxious to serve

These young ladies found the bet seat in the house

Entertainer Joel Tacey at the Alpine Township KDL library

Joel Tacey returned to the Alpine Township KDL library this evening and entertained young and old with his juggling, magic, and humor.  Joel took the younger attendants for a tour around the world, stopping at major cities along the way, and introducing them to stories and books.

Joel performing a juggling act

The kids loved Joel's humor.



a good audience was on hand



Happy 50th Birthday, Gary Campbell

Alpine Township Building Inspector Gary Campbell celebrated his 50th birthday today.

Lamoreaux Ave. Improvements

One of Kent County's first bicycle paths was built along Lamoreaux between Alpine Ave. and West River Road.  Although it was mostly four feet wide, there were some areas that that were much narrower because of telephone or electrical poles that were in the way, or simply because there was no room.  State and Federal restrictions in those days were far less than what they are today.  Alpine Township officials recently looked at the path with the hope that perhaps sections of it can be restored as their budget will allow.  In the meantime Alpine Township, the Kent County Road Commission, and the Marquette Rail Road are jointly funding repairs to that section of the path crossing the rail road tracks that was eliminated when the Marquette Railroad improved the rail road crossing signs last year.  This project is currently under construction and should be completed in a few days.  The cost to the Township is approximately $5,000.  A special thanks to the home owner for allowing the easement.

Day I



Day II



2011 Farm Bureau Annual Legislative Pig Roast at the May Farm

The 2011 Annual Farm Bureau Legislatve Pig Roast was once again hosted by Jim and Jackie May and held at their barn on Fruitridge in Alpine Township.  Guests included many farm bureau members, representatives from Bill Huizinga, Senator Levin and Senator Stabinow's Office, a number of State Legislators from the West Michigan areas, a number of County Commissioners, the Drain Commissioner, and several Township Supervisors.

The audience was introduced to a panel consisting of Lisa Postumus-Lyons, the State Legislator for the 86th District,  Emily Ruehs with the Michigan Farm Bureau, and Rob Stein with the Kent County Conservation Department.  They discussed some recently passed state legislation that offeres regulatory incentives for those farms which become  Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) certified.  Many Michigan farms, are already MAEAP verified. which means they completed a comprehensive risk assessment that pinpoints best practices in water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. The program helps fams of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.  The program teaches farmers how to identify and prevent environmental risks  and work to comply with state and federal environmental regulations.   More on the program can be found at www.maeap.org.

The host and hostess Jim and Jackie May

The main course

Some of the audience

The food line

Kent County Commissioners Bill Hirsch, Tom Antor and Sam Ponstein

The panel, Emily Ruehs, Michigan Farm Bureau, Lisa Poshumus-Lyons, State Representative, and Rob Stein, Clean WaterExpert with the Kent County Conservation District

Applebee's on Alpine Summer Bash

Summer Bash-Applebee’s Alpine

Wednesday July 27th

$5 Perfect Margaritas

$5 Cheeseburgers

$3 Domestic Brewtus

Live Music Starts @ 9p.m.

Fun for the kids 5-8p.m.

½ off Appetizers 9-close

Raffle all $ donated to Make-A-Wish

Go to events in Facebook

Having fun at the Sports Complex

Enjoyed most of the day at the Alpine Township Sports Complex.  There was more Youth Baseball.  A tournament with teams of 10 year olds that came in from Lansing, Jackson, and even Metro Detroit.  This was the second day of the tournament.  The championship game featured teams from Grand Rapids, as it was a close contest beween the Grand Rapids Elite and the Grand Rapids Diamonds.  The Diamonds prevailed.

In the meantime, there was plenty of soccer action with games from 4-5 year olds to adults.  There were also 6 all women teams scheduled to play.

After the baseball, there was still time for softball playoffs as the Catholic Men's Parochial (35 and over)  took over the fields.  Best of all, the rains stayed away both days. 

Enjoy the pictures

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Umping at the baseball games was Alpine grown Tom Brechting

The Grand Rapids Diamonds - Tournament Champions!

Second Place Winners, the Grand Rapids Elite

Men's  Parochial League (over 35) Softball