“In a community like Sparta, our businesses promote shopping local and supporting each other.  We all try to utilize each others services,” Chamber President DeWindt says.  The Chamber has been an active force in trying to build the local business base here in the Sparta area for years.  The new program, the ‘Morning Mingle’ is another step for a local business to learn more about the benefit of getting involved with the community.  ”The way of small business has changed, waiting for people to just walk into your door with money is not the case of small businesses any more,” DeWindt states.  “The sooner that business owners understand this shift in customers, the better their business will be at increasing their bottom line.”

All Chamber member businesses and businesses interested in finding more out about the Chamber of Commerce are welcome to attend the morning mingle.

Morning Mingle with Sparta Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, February 1 @ 8:00 am

Location: Sparta Township Meeting Room (160 E. Division, Sparta)

“Put the Trinkets Aside!”

How to promote your business effectively, directly, and inexpensively at the Sparta Business Expo.

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Wednesday, April 11 @ 8:00 am

Location: Independent Bank (525 S. State Street, Sparta)

“Healthy Says It All !”

Creating and maintaining health savings accounts for small businesses.

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Wednesday, June 6 @ 8:00 am

Location: Meadowlark Retirement Community (65 Ida Red, Sparta)

“How “Linked” are you?”

Finding the purpose and benefits of LinkedIn for your business.

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Wednesday, September 5 @ 8:00 am

Location: Northern Physical Therapy (31 Ida Red, Sparta)

“They’re lookin’ to Buy…”

How to take advantage of the Shop Sparta Event shoppers!

Contact the Sparta Chamber of Commerce if you have any quesitons about getting invovled in the Sparta Chamber or about the Morning Mingle program!

Sparta Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 142, Sparta, MI 49345

p. (616) 887-2454

Sign up at Sundaes at the Park!

spartalittleleague.net

Saturday, February 4th

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 11th

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

~ LATE SIGNUPS ~

Thursday, February 16th 6-8 p.m.

*ADDITIONAL $10.00 LATE FEE*

Please bring the following…

1. Copy of Birth Certificate

(1st Year Players & those who did not play in 2011)

2. Medical Insurance Information

3. Payment:

$45.00 per player (T-Ball & Machine Pitch)

(ONLY Shirt & Hat – NO PANTS)

$55.00 per player (Minor/Major)

$65.00 per player (Junior/Senior)

$150.00 Family Maximum Sign-up Fee

LEAGUE AGE

*BOYS ages 5-18 by April 30, 2012

*GIRLS ages 5-18 by Dec 31, 2011

Sign-up forms available at spartalittleleague.net

The Parks & Recreation Plan for the Sparta Community is important because it helps plan for future park amenities, allows for better cooperation and collaboration between the Village and Township for services provided and to reduce duplicated services to neighboring communities, and gives the community more leverage for grants and program funds.

Click HERE to visit the Village website that is hosting the online survey to complete your answers now!

5K Turkey Trot Application

Registration starts at 8 am at Sparta Civic Center (75 N. Union St., Sparta).  Cost: $10.  Participants receive a t-shirt. Cross country timing. All proceeds will benefit the Sparta Rugby Club. Registration form located above, or on-line at  www.theclubfitness.net or mail/drop-off at The Club Fitness & Tanning. Details call (616) 887-1116. Apple pies to the first 3 females/ 3 males to cross the finish line!

Quick Details:

Thursday, Nov. 24  Sparta Turkey Trot

Registration: 8:00 am

9:00 am Start time

Sparta Civic Center

75 N. Union, Sparta, MI 49345

Cost: $10

Refreshments for participants immediately following the event!

Volunteers needed!  Please contact The Club to help with the race that day!

“See you at the curb” is the motto for the revived homecoming parade in Sparta this year. When I read this it made me think of the fun we had, during homecoming week, when I was in high school in the early 1970’s.

We would gather, weeks in advance of homecoming, in someone’s barn and build our float. Boxes and boxes of Kleenex would be used to fill in yards of chicken wire that would become, we hoped, the winning float. I don’t remember what our float theme was for my senior year, but I remember the junior class (the class of 1974) won first place and we came in second. I remember using tempera paint, from the art room, to decorate the windows in the cafeteria, and we even painted our car windows. (Our parents must have loved driving those cars around that week.) On Thursday night, we would have a huge bon fire in the high school parking lot and on Friday a pep rally complete with skits. The marching band led the parade downtown where, it seems, everyone in town joined the celebration and the Homecoming King’s name was announced. I also remember the huge white mum corsages, from Ostman’s Floral that were ordered in advance for all the girls to wear to the big game where we learned, at halftime, who would be our Homecoming Queen. I can still remember the scent of those mums!

Homecoming was always an exciting time in Sparta when I was a girl. I was unable to determine when homecoming was first celebrated in Sparta. It seems we began consistently celebrating it in the early 1950’s. My mom remembers that there were no celebrations, such as homecoming, for the duration of WWII.

For a few years in the early to mid 1950’s “Mr. and Miss Citizen” were chosen to represent their class. James Gardner, principal at the time, told the Grand Rapids Herald, in 1957, that the idea of having a Mr. and Miss Citizen “originated a few years ago because faculty members thought something different from the usual King and Queen be thought of for homecoming.” The thought was that not enough recognition was given to qualities of cooperation, leadership and high standards of conduct and loyalty. By 1958 Mr. and Miss Citizen and a King and Queen were chosen. It seems 1958 may have been one of the last years that a Mr. and Miss Citizen were chosen.

It was also during these years that the “snake dance” was popular. The student body would hold hands and “snake’ their way from the High School, then located on N. Union Street, to Balyeat field, usually on the Thursday night before the big game.

In 1953 a very special program was held during halftime of the game. Sparta marked the 50^th anniversary of high school football by dedicating a new “lighted” scoreboard, a gift from Mr. and Mrs. William Schaefer in honor of Mrs. Shaefer’s father August Johnson. Homecoming was, indeed, special that year with many of the team members from the 1903 team in attendance. Our team won the game that night as they won every game that year!

Over the years, it seems, there have been a few changes made during homecoming week, but it seems the spirit of Sparta Homecoming is still intact. Students still celebrate the week, the marching band still plays the Fight Song and the big game will be played. This year will be special, however, thanks to the efforts of Christine McKinley and Kim VanDusen. The homecoming parade is back! Businesses can have their windows painted or decorated by Sparta students just like old times. Get out the tempera paint and let the fun begin, and I’ll “see you at the curb” on October 14!

Jayne Heath Paasch

Sparta Township Historical Commission

The Sparta Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses interested in building their business success and working toward a more vibrant business community to not “Miss the Boat”.  The new marketing campaign will hit the streets on October 19 to invite businesses in the Sparta area to come to the annual Sparta Chamber of Commerce Meeting on Monday, November 7 to network with other businesses, learn about the recent accomplishments of the Chamber, and to see the upcoming 2012 plans for Sparta.  In addition, the Sparta Chamber will be giving businesses a discounted membership rate and discounted Business Expo entry fee for their attendance at the annual meeting.  “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to find out what is happening in Sparta, save money on their membership dues, and to network their business.  The networking value the Sparta Chamber member meetings have really shown some amazing value – knowing the owners and managers of other businesses in the community IS connected directly to referrals and more business,” said Kelly DeWindt, Chamber president. 

The annual meeting will also host the elections for the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce.  Businesses should look for their invitation in the mail or contact the Sparta Chamber of Commerce office for more information.

Lily’s Frog Pad Inc. manages Howard Christensen Nature Center (HCNC) and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization., so fund-raising is an ongoing endeavor. On Sunday October 16, a Bird Seed Sale will be held at Cedar Springs Mill, 112 W. Beech St, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. to benefit your birds, and HCNC! Proceeds from all fundraisers help keep the nature center buildings open and the trails maintained for school field trips, public workshops and snowshoe days during the winter.

Another new fund-raiser is the first Red Pine 5K Walk, Run & Relay on Sunday, October 23. “Outdoor lovers” of all ages and abilities are invited to enjoy running or walking the flat, scenic double loop through the nature center on well-marked trails. The race begins at 2:00 p.m. with refreshments and an award presentation afterwards. For participants 19 years old and older, the registration fee is $25, and for participants 18 years and younger it is $20. Registration forms and details are available on the website at www/lilysfrogpad.com, and late registration is from noon to 1:30 p.m. on race day.

New, fun events for the family include a “one day only” Bike Cyclist Ride on Thursday, October 19 when bikes will be allowed on specially marked trails from 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The cost is $5/adult, $4/students and seniors or $12/family. Registration is due by October 16. To end the month and celebrate Halloween, a Night-Owl Walk is scheduled on Saturday, October 29 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. This is another “one day only” opportunity, since the trails regularly close at dusk. The trails will be lined with lack-o-lanterns for this spooky, family-friendly guided hike. Registration is requested, but not required. The cost is $5/adult, $4/students and seniors, or $12/family.

Other events scheduled for November and December include workshops about white-tailed deer, winter survival and a full-moon hike, a special day for horse-back riders on the trails, holiday crafts, snowshoe rental, and a quilt raffle. Directions and details about these events can be found at www.lilysfrogpad.com.

For visitors who are interested in the moon and stars, a small planetarium that seats 15 has been added to the natural science exhibits in the Red Pine Interpretive Center. Please contact Cindy with questions about the planetarium and other events or programs at (616) 675-3158, or cperski@lilysfrogpad.com.

Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival is a celebration of the bounty and variety of products that are available fresh from the fields, orchards, and businesses in this great state that we call home!  Join the Harvest on the Ridge Tours on Saturday, September 17, 2011 and have a real experience of  farming “The Ridge” in Apple Country!

Michigan is second only to California for the US states in diversity of its agriculture.  Michigan is a leading grower of fruit in the US including blueberries, cherries, apples, grapes, and peaches.  On September 17, visit downtown Sparta and these great places on “The Ridge” to kick off the Harvest season with your family and celebrate the best of what our area has to offer! The Sparta Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival offers something for everyone including music, kids activities, family activities, 5K walk/run, sidewalk sales, Michigan Beer & Wine tasting, arts & crafts show, Antique Tractor Show, William Tell Archery Competition, and more!

Details about each market below! 

Riveridge Packing Shed  10:30 am

7777 Venture Ave Nw, Sparta – South of Sparta on M-37 & 9 Mile

See the new technology of Apple Packaging with a packing line that completely manages the quality of each apple as it cleans, sanitizes, weighs, checks the apple for color,  defects, and even individual sweetness levels! The expanded facility ships all over the world. Free half hour tour through the packing shed.  www.riveridgeproduce.com

Schwallier’s Country Basket 11:30 am & 2 pm

1185 9 Mile Rd. NW Sparta, MI 49345

Tour a family owned business dating back to 1989 and can be found in the heart of the apple capital, “Peach Ridge” of Sparta, Michigan.  Fall activities  include pick your own Apples, slide, cow train rides, wagon ride, shelled corn play area and more.   www.schwalliers.com

Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market 8-5 pm

3025 6 Mile Road, Grand Rapids, MI

Experience picking your own apples at the U Pick Gala’s, Honey Crisp & more at this family farm since 1925!  Check out the interactive “Trivia” 5 acre Corn maze featuring questions about sports, entertainment, history & more!  Test your trivia knowledge to make the correct turn in the maze! $6.00 for adults & 12 & under $5.00; Family Four Pass for $20.00.  

www.dunnebackfarm.com

Jacobsen’s Greenhouse   4 pm

271 North State Street, Sparta, MI 49345

Tour the 8,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse and learn about the roof vent system & landscaping tips to prepare your gardens for the winter.  See the mums in production for Fall and learn pruning tips on mums in your yard.  Hundreds of poinsettia’s will be on display in a just “pinched” stage, see what they look like prior to display in a store.  Question and answers after the free tour.  www.jacobsensfloral.com

Fruit Ridge Hay Rides

Open from 12-9 pm for family fun down on the farm.  Featured activities include horse drawn hayrides through the woods and orchard, pony rides, donuts, cider and our  ‘Down on the Farm’ corn maze adventure, with 3 interactive games and a maze look-out bridge…fun for all ages.  www.fruitridgehayrides.com

 “Wanted,”Sparta Rugby coach, football coach and community leader, Greg Peak, announced at a recent Concert in the Park as a 1960’s era green couch rolled around the bandshell, “Old Runners.  Fast Couches.”  The crowd giggled and cheered as they looked on to see Rotary President Tom Dupont lying on the couch being pushed around on wheels and four team mates.  The J. Couch Race, Peak commented, is a unique and fun family fundraiser for the Lymphoma Society and local families affected by Lymphoma.  The race is scheduled as part of the Harvest on the Ridge Festival on September 17.  “The J. Couch Race will delight spectators with fast, funny, & uniquely created couches— all on wheels— as their five person teams race downtown Sparta on North Union Street,” Greg added to the crowd.

Peak was inspired by a friend, John Couch, who was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma to start a fundraiser for the Lymphoma Society.  The event came to a surprise to John.  “I had no idea what he was doing”, Couch said.  “One day, Greg called me up and asked, ‘Hey, can I use your name?’.  Greg is a pretty trustworthy guy, so my immediate response was ‘sure’.”  At that point Peak started explaining to Couch the details and inspiration behind for the J. Couch Race in honor of John Couch himself.  “He was talking 100 miles a minute and finally I simply said, ‘Greg, go ahead, I trust you.” 

With the go-ahead, Peak began pulling other community leaders and building excitement.  What started as a brainstorm by Greg Peak has turned into an event the community is rallying around.  Teams are already signing up to build their couches and talking about their creative costumes they are going to create for the 150 yard race.  Fundraising will include donations and support from businesses and families in addition to the crowd participants purchasing a vote for the People’s Choice and Best Decorated couches.  A traveling Trophy will be awarded to the “fastest” Couch Team.  Registration forms are located at www.spartachamber.com. 

Twelve apple sculptures will be auctioned off online with all raised money proceeds going to fund the 2012 Art Project in downtown Sparta. During the online auction dates, the art sculptures will be on display at The DeVos Place in Grand Rapids during the Great Lakes Expo December 6-8, 2011. Items will be ready for payment by check or cash and for pick up on Friday, December 9 at Sparta Village Hall in downtown Sparta.

The Great Lakes Expo & The Ridge

During the online auction dates, the art sculptures will be on display at The DeVos Place in Grand Rapids during the Great Lakes Expo December 6-8, 2011.  The Great Lakes Expo is a premier show for fruit and vegetable growers and anyone involved or interested in the agricultural and horticulture industry, commonly referred by the locals as the “Hort” show.  Over 4,000 people from 41 States and Canada annually attend the Expo.  The Expo is also where they hold the Michigan Apple Queen Pageant every year.

The Art pieces will be on display throughout the Great Lakes Expo for interested parties to view the talent of local artists and to showcase Sparta as the gateway to “The Ridge”, a top agricultural producing area located West of Sparta.  Approximately 8 miles wide by 20 miles long, the Fruit Ridge is regarded as one of the prime fruit-growing regions in the world.  Elevations greater than 800 feet and its location (about 25 miles from Lake Michigan), creates a unique climate (ideal growing and moderate winters) for fruit production. The Ridge supplies 60% of the states (Michigan) apples. An estimated 66% of the Ridge lies in Kent County, all within 20 miles of downtown Grand Rapids.

Anyone who has tasted a fresh picked Michigan Apple from the Ridge or visited a local Farmers Market can attest to the bounty of agriculture on “The Ridge”.   The art sculptures are a perfect display of the impact the agricultural region has on our community!

 Printable (PDF) of Auction Details Here