Best of the West Maple Syrup Contest

Judges from Wright Township Historical

Eight local maple syrup producers provided entries for this year's Maple Syrup judging sponsored by the Alpine Township Historical Committee.

Sunday's contest was judged by three members of the Wright Township Historical Committee, while entertainment was provided by Dale Bergman, Supervisor of Sparta Township.  Dale entertained everyone by turning out familiar tunes on his saxophone.  He also entertained some of the younger children by creating balloon animals.

Local artist Sheryl Budnik had some of her paintings on display, some of Lake Michigan scenes as well as several local landscapes.

This year's over all winner for the best maple syrup was Rasch Farms.  Judging was based on taste and clarity.  Representing Rasch Farms and receiving the recognition was John Paul.

Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to sample the entries on some tasty pancakes.

John Paul (left) with Rasch Farms is recognized as this year's winner by Don Doyle.

Dale Bergman, Sparta Township Supervisor

Mary Tanis and Mary Alt preparing the entries for the judges

Rick Cederholm is building quite a reputation for his great tasting pancakes

Local Artist Sheryl Budnik (right)  and friends.

The Cordes brought some of the farm products with them

The Bueschel Family checking in

York Creek Apartments Easter Celebration

A festive mood was present as the children of residents of the York Creek Apartments enjoyed searching for eggs and meeting with the Easter Bunny.  Children and adults were also welcomed in the community building where they were treated with a pancake breakfast.  Members of York Creek Management teamed up with members of the TLC Ministries to bring smiles on the face of all.  The afternoon was made even brighter for about 30 youngsters who received free bicycles thanks to the ministry of "Freedom In Motion", a Rockford based ministry whose mission it is to "serve people in West Michigan by addressing the need for affordable, alternative transportation, by distributing reclaimed, remade bicycles in order to redeem lives, relationships and communities.”

 

 

 

New Option for Haircuts at Westgate Bowl

No one can say that Alpine Township lacks in hair salons or barber shops.  There is plenty of choice but then again everybody has their favorite stylist or barber.  The Greater Grand Rapids community now has another option, Mustache Mo's.  Thursday morning was the official opening of the new salon operated by Monica Coalter, who has over seven years of experience and who loves  mustaches in particular.  And while mustaches may be her passion, she is also pretty good with a straight razor, and she enjoys cutting hair in general for her men and women clients.

 

Should you want to stop in, she is located in Suite 13, 4484 Alpine Ave, located in the same building as the Westgate Bowling Alley.  Monica is one of a number of tenants who have set up shop in a warm and friendly environment.  She can also be reached by appointment at (616) 498-3462.  You can visit her website at www.mustachemos.com 

 

Jessica Coulter at Grand Opening Day with first client Joe Sack

 

Some of the salons occupying suites at Westgate Bowl

 

Comstock Park Community Outreach at Rotary

Representatives of the Comstock Park Outreach Coalition visited the Comstock Park Rotary Thursday but they were not strangers, since many of the Rotarians are also Outreach members and Rotary has sponsored and participated in a number of their events.

The Comstock Park Community Outreach is a collaboration of business, government, schools, churches and service organizations with a mission of matching community needs to available resources, and a purpose of empowering people to improve the quality of lives.

Representatives elaborated on the organization as they laid out the group's focus; At Risk Youth, the community's increasing Senior population, and the increasing Hispanic population.  Programs are in place that address these prioritized concerns. 

Meghan Auperlee, Wedgewood Christian Services, Missi McPherson and Ethan Ebenstein, Comstock Park Public Schools, , Julie Ebenstein, Senior Neighbors and Jennifer Grimm, Sparta Public Schools

Also visiting the Comstock Park Rotary was this duck which the Comstock Park Rotary has adopted for the next twelve months.  Having somewhat of a dubious reputation, club members are trying to breed some respectability into the bird before passing it along to another Rotary club in the area.next year.

Republican Elected Officials Meet at Vitale's

Local elected Republican officials met with Republican State Elected Officials at Vitale's in Comstock Park Thursday and listened to a brief presentation by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley.  On Monday Lt. Governor Calley signed legislation that will make sure that local governments will not lose funding should voters approve the repeal of the business personal property tax in August elections. Local State Representatives and Senators were also present, as was staff from the Kent County Republican Party.

Lt. Governor Briam Calley

Sparta Supervisor Dale Bergsma with Byron Center Clerk Joel Hondorp and Senator Mark Jansen in the background



Supervisor Tim Wittenbach (left) Vergennes Township  listening to State Representative and Michigan Senatorial Candidate Pete McGregor

 Canon Township Trustee Deb Diepenhorst and Clerk Bonnie Blackledge