“I am not sure any of us knew how much time it would take to sift through the hundreds of old newspapers, photos and files” that the STHC has collected over the years, says Jayne Paasch, “but we soon realized it would be a labor of love.”  All of the volunteers have roots Sparta, however, “I don’t think any of us knew in detail the history of our community. We learned so much about this great community and those who worked to create it.”

By breaking the book up into time periods, subjects, and activities that would soon become chapters, the researchers interviewed people who had a story to tell.  “We learned that Sparta is filled with people who have wonderful memories to share or who were able to add texture and detail to stories that we found in old newspapers or identify people in old photographs. Jayne Paasch adds, “It was a joy to talk with them.”

Possibly the most difficult part of the project was to choose which of the thousands of photographs property of the STHC.  Arcadia Publishing has strict standards about the quality of the picture and therefore eliminated the use of many aging photographs. With the help of technology, Jeff VanSyckle was able to salvage many pictures that otherwise would not have qualified.

Pictured here is the family research team that worked to create “Sparta Township” due to hit bookstores in March. Left to right: (Top) Jeff VanSyckle, Jenifer VanSyckle, Kathryn Paasch, (Bottom) JoAnne VanerWerff, Jayne Paasch.

Editing any type of document can be daunting, but the family team worked diligently, often late into the night with hopes of creating a history of Sparta in photographs.  One of the hardships was the discrepancies in sources of historic information the group researched.  “It was so important to us that we tell the story as accurately as possible and without error. We soon learned that each source had a story to tell. Old newspapers, old yearbooks and letters sometimes told the story differently. We did our best with the information we had and made peace with ourselves and our history.”

Six months later, and a published story about Sparta Township will be hitting the book shelves in March.  However, Paasch is quick to add, “Not the definitive story of our town, but a story told from the perspective of people who have lived, worked and grown up here.”  With the help of her family as her research team and the Sparta Township Historic Commission, the dream of Kathryn Paasch has come true.  “Sparta Township” by Kathryn Paasch will be released March 14, 2011.  Kathryn Paasch stated that all proceeds will benefit the Sparta Township Historic Commission.  Visit www.spartahistory.org to see the upcoming dates and times of the book signing events.

Click here:

Sparta Town & Country Days

July 15 – 18, 2010

www.spartafair.com

2010 Theme

[googleMap name="Sparta, Michigan" description="Downtown Sparta just 10 miles north of Grand Rapids. " width="350" height="250"]75 N Union Sparta, MI 49345[/googleMap]

SCARECROW CONTEST ENTRY INFORMATION

HARVEST ON THE RIDGE – APPLE FESTIVAL

Friday, September 25 & Saturday, September 26, 2009

Sparta, Michigan

SCARECROW CONTEST LOGISTICS

• The scarecrow contest will take place in downtown Sparta, Michigan. Scarecrows will be mounted on assigned light poles or other sites in the downtown area.

• The scarecrows will be on display from Thursday, September 24th to Sunday, September 26 at 5 p.m.  You may set up your scarecrow on Wed, Sept. 23 or Thursday, Sept. 24.

• Judging will take place over the course of the exhibit by the Regional Arts Guild of Sparta (RAGS) and the Sparta Sports Boosters.  Awards will be announced beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Balyeat Field.

• As an event sponsor, the Scarecrow Committee and RAGS reserve the right to refuse entries. Applicants are encouraged to create positive, creative, and nonviolent scarecrows.

• Scarecrow entry sponsors are required to monitor the health and well being of their scarecrow for the duration of the exhibit. Scarecrows that deteriorate beyond reason (as determined by the Scarecrow Committee) will be removed.

• Scarecrow entry sponsors are required to remove their scarecrow no later than 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2009.

• Please no-handouts should be at your Scarecrow entry display.  A small 8 ½ x 11 sign with your location number & space for the title of your scarecrow will be provided.  You must attach this to your display for judging and informative purposes. Businesses may put their name on the sign.  If you mail your application, you will have to stop at the Village Office for your sign.

SCARECROW CONTEST REGISTRATION

• Those who wish to submit a scarecrow entry are required to register. Forms may be picked up at the Sparta Village offices or downloaded from the website www.spartachamber.com

• Applications will be received from August 15 to September 15^th at the Village offices.  There is a $5 fee to enter and register your scarecrow. Applications will be accepted by mail or in person. Mailed applications, including a check, can be sent to Sparta Village, c/o Scarecrow Contest, 156 E. Division St., Sparta, MI 49345.  Ph. 616-887-8251. Late entries will pay a $10 fee.  Absolute cutoff is Sept. 22, providing we have space.

• Each applicant will be assigned a designated light pole or other location. Sites or poles will be assigned by the Scarecrow Committee.

• One entry per category per person, family, business, or organization.

• Entries in multiple categories are permitted.

SCARECROW CONSTRUCTION

• All scarecrow entries must remain on display outside from Wed, Sept. 23^rd or Thursday, Sept. 24^th through Sept. 26, 2009 and may be subjected to severe wind and/or rain. Their construction should be durable and all ornamentation securely attached. The Scarecrow Committee reserves the right to remove any scarecrow that does not hold up to the natural elements. Scarecrows may be removed after 6 p.m. on Saturday, the 26^th. All scarecrows must be removed along with all additional materials by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27. The Best of Show and runner-up scarecrows will be displayed at Steffens Orchard Market after the weekend.

• Each scarecrow may or may not have a horizontal support of wood for the body. This support is required for each scarecrow at ground level that will be tied to a light post for display.

• Maximum overall height is 8 feet. The area around the scarecrow except on the street side can also be utilized. The scarecrow display cannot interfere with foot or car traffic. Your exhibit may include more than one figure but no more than four. The space around the light poles varies, depending on location. Some other sites without light poles may be bigger. Indicate on your entry form what space you will require.

• Scarecrows must stand alone or be tied to the light poles with zip tie, rope or twine. No wire or abrasive material can be used. Your scarecrow will be inspected to assure that it won’t damage the new light poles.

• No electricity will be available at this time.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SCARECROW MAKING SUPPLIES:

• You can find used clothing at the following locations:

~Round Again, Inc., 213 E. Division, Sparta

~Mel Trotter Ministries, 538 S. State St., Sparta

~Rummage sales or your closet.

• You can build a scarecrow of any size at Steffens Orchards Scarecrow Factory, 4344 13 Mile Rd., 2.3 miles W. of Sparta. All materials provided, the cost is $15. If you bring clothing, cost is $11. Go to our website www.steffensorchardmarket.com for a $2 off coupon for building a scarecrow. Call 887-2404 and make an appointment to build your scarecrow. It takes approximately 1 hour or longer to build a scarecrow depending on how you design it.

• Sparta Elevator, 9 Loomis, Sparta – Has straw and corncobs

• The internet has many ideas and suggestions. Use your imagination.

• Your scarecrow may project a theme or the “Harvest on the Ridge – Apple Festival”.

CRITERIA USED IN JUDGING THE SCARECROW CONTEST

• Originality of Design (Is the idea original?) 60 points
• Creativeness (Are props a part of the entry?) 60 points
• Durability (How sturdy is the scarecrow?) 40 points
• General appearance & presentation 20 points

Total          200 points

An independent panel of judges with a creative bent from RAGS (Regional Arts Guild of Sparta) and the Sparta Sports Boosters will select a Best of Show and Runner-up.

ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGE(S) ARE FINAL

Ribbons for the following may be awarded:

Best Theme Presentation

Best Standing Scarecrow

Best Laying Down or Sitting Scarecrow

Most original

Most Creative

Most Handsome

Most Beautiful

Judges may award Honorable Mentions ribbons, if appropriate.

SCARECROW COMMITTEE:

Jo Ann Lettinga, Formerly of Round Again

Sharon Steffens, Steffens Orchards

John Douglass,  Sparta Sports Boosters

Betty Van Patten, Sparta Sports Boosters

Scarecrow Contest Entry Form

Entry Form Deadline:  September 15, 2009

Sparta Village Offices, 156 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345,

Ph. 616-887-8251

Organization Name (if appropriate) ___________________________________

Contact Person ______________________________ Ph. _________________

Alternate Ph. _______________ Email _______________________________

Fax: ____________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________

City ________________________ State ________ Zip _________________

Category 1: Traditional Harvest Figures: These scarecrows will be typically old-fashioned figures constructed from throwaways from the farm. Clothing, hay, stuffing, burlap, farm implements, farm produce (corn husks, vegetables, pumpkins, etc.) are but a few ideas of the traditional scarecrow.

Category 2: Whimsical/Contemporary: Whimsical character(s) do not have to resemble a scarecrow and can be made of any material.  These scarecrows are inspired by storybook characters, cartoon figures, crazy characters, and out of the ordinary situations. This modern scarecrow may also be made of materials using art methods or electronics of today. Collage, ceramics, metal sculpture, plastics, etc. are examples of components that may be utilized. The composition and utilization are limited only by one’s own imagination.

No electricity is available.

Division 1: Business: Any registered business in the West Michigan area is eligible and pays a $5 entry fee.

Division 2: Organization: Any registered charitable group, club, association, or school in the West MI area is eligible.  A $5 entry fee is required.

Division 3: Family: Any individual or group of individuals (roommates, families, or friends) that work together to create a scarecrow qualifies for this division. A $5 entry fee is required.

Checks must be made out to Harvest On the Ridge. Please send to the Sparta Village Offices, 156 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345.

Please provide a title or name below for your scarecrow design:

________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE CHECK A CATEGORY AND A DIVISION:

Categories:

1        Traditional Harvest Figure          1     Whimsical/Contemporary

Divisions:

1        Business            1     Organization      1     Family or Individual

My scarecrow(s) will be

1        Free-standing    1     Tied to light pole        1     Sitting or laying down

Size of Exhibit:

1        2′ x 2′               1     3′ x 3′               1     4′ x 4′

I will setup on:

• 1 Wed. Sept. 23, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• 1 Thursday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to Noon

1        Thursday, Sept. 24,    3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

I agree that photographs of my entry can be used in future promotion efforts.

I, by signing this entry form, declare that I have read and understand all

the instructions.

Printed Name:

Signature:__________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________                Accepted By: ______________________

Steffens Orchards would like to display the top two or three winners at Steffens Orchard Market, 4344  13 Mile Rd., (2.3 miles west of Sparta) following the contest.  Condition of the scarecrows will determine how long they would be on display.

Form a Four-Some!

 All golfers are welcome to join a team, click here for the registration form. 

Network your business with other local busiensses! 

Choose to be a sponsor of a “Hole” and bring your business representatives out to the green giving away coupons, gift certificates, and prizes!  Click here to contact Dr. Jason Detweiler  from DC Chiropractic or Chris Nadeau from Majestic Landscapes to find out more information about getting your business involved or signing up for golf!

Moss Ridge Golf Course

13545 Apple Ave
Ravenna, MI 49451
(231) 853-5665  

View of Hole 9 on Moss Ridge Golf Course.

He will describe the current status of Marquette Rail, its future plans, and answer any questions you may have.  Marquette Rail operates the tracks that travel through Sparta crossing Division next to Elm Street where one can see and hear trains passing through multiple times per day.  The tracks connect from South of Grand Rapids, up to Ludington and Manistee area.

Photos of the Sparta Railroad Site: click HERE.

Coming from a railroading family, Kevin started his career with the Katy Railroad.  After serving a stint as a leader and venture capitalist to middle-market companies, he returned to the railroad industry as a consultant on over 85 short-line transactions over a 20-year span, while also advising in the development of high-performance employee-owned companies.

He has a BBA in Economics from Sam Houston State University and an MBA from the Univeristy of Dallas.

Kevin is involved in leadership roles in both the employee ownership and short line rail road communities.  He started the tradition of the Santa Train through communities which brings Santa Claus into Sparta each year.

This program is hosted by the West Michigan Railway Historical Society, a chapter of the NRHS.

 Downtown Sparta Blueprint 2009 (PDF)

The Blueprint Plan includes input and collaboration from:

Community Organization Leaders

Downtown Business Owners

Retail Trade Area Surveys

Customer Focus Groups

Employee Focus Groups

Sparta Downtown Development Authority

Sparta Chamber of Commerce

Village Council Members

Sparta Township Representatives

Sparta Residents

Community Meeting Attendees

Market Analysis

Lets work together to implement the 5 year action plan and make Downtown Sparta truly “What a Neighborhood Should Be”.

The Downtown Development Authority, Chamber of COmmerce, Village of Sparta is currently in the process of adopting the plan into the Master Plan and as the Guide for Downtown Development.

 It’s a hot July morning in Sparta, 1969.  Armstrong and Aldrin have just landed on the moon.  But for the moment Bob Schwab is more interested in a station wagon pulling away from his dump, leaving an old couch behind.

 To anybody else it looks like junk.  But to Bob it’s a treasure.  Bob rolls the couch over and slashes the bottom lining with his jackknife.  Bingo!

 Among the lint and food crumbs are pennies, nickels and more.  A five dollar bill.  And a gold watch.  The kind bankers wear.  All lost items.  Bob knows every old sofa is a treasure chest waiting to be opened.

 From Trash to treasure.

 In the ’60s and ’70s, Bob Schwab’s garbage truck is a daily sight on Sparta streets.  He has a contract to pick up the trash and a permit to operate a dump on his Alpine property. 

 Bob knows everybody in town and loves a short chat with anybody, for both pleasure and business.  He’s a wheeler-dealer.  One person pays Bob to pick up the trash, like pallets or barrels.  Another needs pallets or barrels, and pays Bob to drop them off. 

 Bob Schwoop, born on a boat.

Bob Schwab grows up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as Frank J. Schwab, the youngest son in a large Catholic family of German immigrants.  Born in 1912, he inists his birth certificate reads, “Bob Schwoop, born on a boat”.  He loves a good story.

 He is a relative of Charles Schwab, the millionaire founder of U.S. Steel.  His family includes Austrian-Hungarians in New York, among them a circus act called The Tumbling Nemos.  As a child, Bob tap dances for coins n the New York Streets.

 From Allentown to Grand Rapids

Bob joins the Navy in the 1920′s.  he leaves Norfolk on the USS Arizona to parts of call in Guantanamo, Port-au-Prince, and the Panama Canal.  Later in Life Bob would bear a striking resemblance to another sailorman- to Popeye, in voice, attitude and phical appearance.

 When the Arizona clears San Francisco, Bob and a buddy miss ship, officially AWOL.  They ride trains back east, landing in the brig at Pensacola Naval Station.

 The depression hits.  Bob hears there’s work in Michigan.  In Grand Rapids he gets a job as bellhop at the Pantlind Hotel.  Eventually the Shepherd Family hires him on the family farm. 

 True Grit

Bob marries Mildred Helsel, the daughter of a farm laborer.  He hunts and fishes with the locals, sometimes legally.  There’s food on the table.  Their only child, Joan, is born in the snowy winter of ’37.

 In the 40′s Bob and Mildred buy some land on Alpine Avenue, which is rich in gravel.  Bob is a pragmatic American.  If you have a big hole, fill it.  He turns the gravel pit into a dump.

 There’s gold in them thar hills!

 Life in Sparta is good.  The American Dream is in full swing.  Buy new and throw away the old.  Bob is there to take it.  His dump becomes a mountain of gold.

 Everyone knows “Schwabby” as Bob is known.  When you need something, go see Bob.  If he ahs it, he usually gives it away free, together with a smile and a bit of hometown philosophy at no extra charge.  Bob loves to make people happy.

 Shooting for the Moon

In July 1969, standing in his dump, Bob can see the moon.  The Eagle has landed.  Thirty years later, America is more occupied with terrestrial challenges.  Like economic and environmental sustainability.  How to manage affluence and waste?

 Bob Schwab loved the simple things.  A good story, a friendly word, a smiling child.  He has his own ideas about wealth, about using and reusing material goods.  He was a garbage man.  A rich man.  A garbage man with a gold watch.

 In 1972, the Schwab Dump became part of the Kent County Landfill.  The county site later became a superfund.  Bob died in October 1990.  He is buried in Algoma Cemetery, far away from Allentown, Pennsylvania.  His wife, Mildred, lives in the family house on Alpine Avenue.  She is 93.

 Bob lives on as “Frankie” the emblem of ‘Round Again, Inc. in Sparta, a consignment/ resale shop founded by his daughter Joan in 1985 and still in business today.

 This Milestones on Main street article was produced specially for Sparta TODAY.  Input and contributions are welcome.  Please send your ideas to Dean Lettinga at hlet@hetnet.hl or contact Joan Lettinga at ‘Round Again in Sparta.  887-2414

The 2010 Harvest on the Ridge BBQ Contest held in downtown Sparta is an attraction for locals and visitors alike to experience the sights and delicious smells of a semi-professional BBQ Contest!  The Sparta Smokin’ BBQ Contest is a State Sanctioned Championship Barbecue Location for the State of Michigan on Friday & Saturday, September 24 & 25, 2010 in Balyeat Field in downtown Sparta.  In addition to this mouth watering event, downtown Sparta will be the host of the Art in the Park Show, live music and entertainment, kids games, and more! The Sparta Smokin’ Barbecue Cook-Off is coordinated by the Harvest on the Ridge volunteer Roger Gren.

Click below for complete event information.  Can’t find something you need?  Contact Roger Gren at 616-263-6063.

Official 2010  BBQ Entry Form 

2010 Judge Request Form

Kids Cook-off Registration (Postponed for 2010)

Kansas City Barbecue Rules & Regulations

Food Vendor Application Form (already filled for 2010)

Please check out the Event Sponsors!  The Sparta Sizzlin’ BBQ Contest couldn’t happen without their support!

Event Sponsor’s Info (coming soon!) 

Would you like to be part of an event that will draw from around the Midwest?  Click here for the Sponsor Registration Form. 

Kansas City BBQ Society WEbsite: www.kcbs.us

E-waste Day will be held at the Sparta ChoiceOne Bank parking lot at the corner of Division and Union St. on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no limit on the number of items for disposal, and the only charge is $10 per TV.

Almost anything that has a cord or battery will be accepted such as laptops, monitors (any size at no fee), computer accessories and cables, memory sticks, printers, VCRs, radios, microwaves, dehumidifiers, and electric power tools! A basic data wipe of computer hard drives is included. Large appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners are not accepted.

Call Comprenew at (616) 451-4400, option 1, or e-mail recycle@comprenew.org with questions about accepted electronic items. Please contact the Howard Christensen Nature Center at (616) 675-3158, or hcnc@kentconservation.org to make arrangements for large quantities, or to inquire about other dates for disposal.

Thanks to a matching federal Transportation Enhancement Grant administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation, Downtown Sparta will begin a Streetscape Project in April. This project is an initiative of the Downtown Development Authority in partnership with the Village of Sparta. Sparta is one of only seven municipalities in Michigan to receive the grant in 2009. With $376,500 in Transportation Enhancement Grant funds, the improvements include pedestrian safety measures including brick crosswalks and lighting, benches, trees, shrubs, and landscaping in an effort to slow traffic down. Project limits are on Division Avenue from State Street to the Nash Creek Bridge and along N. Union. Additional funding is through Kent County, Sparta DDA, and the Village of Sparta.

For a few years, the DDA and Village have been budgeting funds in anticipation of this project, which means taxes will not be increased and special assessments will not happen for this project. The DDA captures a percentage of tax dollars from the taxing jurisdictions on specific DDA parcels as passed by State Legislation to work on development projects. The project is anticipated for competition in early July.

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