Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

6
Creston Neighborhood Association 205 Carrier NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Creston Community Calendar HELLO NEIGHBOR...PANCAKES WITH CNA Saturday, March 21 · 8am-11am 2nd Congregational Church (525 Cheshire NE) CNA BOARD MEETING Thursday, March 26 · 6:30pm CNA Offices (205 Carrier NE) BLOCK CAPTAIN TRAINING & MEMBER DRIVE KICK-OFF Saturday, April 18 Location TBA CNA BOARD MEETING Thursday, April 23 · 6:30pm CNA Offices (205 Carrier NE) 3RD ANNUAL ART BATTLE FOR COMMUNITY Wednesday, May 6 · 6pm-10pm Sazerac’s Lounge (1418 Plainfield NE) 2ND ANNUAL PERENNIAL EXCHANGE Tuesday, June 2 · 6:30pm-8pm Riverside CRC (602 Comstock NE) We moved to the Creston neighborhood in November of 2000. I know that some people carefully consider the neighborhoods in the city where they would like to live and then they choose the one with the best school, the best “community” feel, the best church, the best restau- rants—whatever it is they deem “best” and most impor- tant. It was not that way for us. Beau and I married in 1998, just before my senior year at Central Michigan University. After I graduated, Beau transferred to Reformed Bible College, and we moved to Grand Rapids. With very little consideration, we moved to an apartment we liked and could afford in Comstock Park. One year of apartment living convinced us that we wanted to find a house. Over Labor Day weekend in 2000 Beau happened past an Open House sign, which led him to a cute two-story home with a “For Sale By Owner” sign in the front yard. He went in. He fell in love. He hurried to our apartment and dragged me to the house. I fell in love. Our house was built in 1900, and it has all of the character and quirks of a house of that generation. It also came with a neighborhood to which we honestly gave no thought for a few years. Once we began to have children, however, our thoughts turned to our neighbors. When the time came to look for a new church, we thought we might try the one down the street. Nearly four years later, we still walk there every Sunday. When we went out of town, we asked the neighbor to get our mail. Nearly five years later, we March-April 2009 Get to know neighbors like the McDowells at CNA’s Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 21, 2009 · 8am-11am 2nd Congregational Church (525 Cheshire NE) Neighbor Profile: McDowell family enjoys the small town feel of life in the Creston Neighborhood by Rebekah McDowell by Rebekah McDowell by Rebekah McDowell by Rebekah McDowell In every issue CNA would like to feature a neighbor to share their experiences in Creston. In this issue, the McDowells, who live in the Southeast corner of the neighborhood, share their story. have collected each other’s mail enough times to have magazine subscriptions memorized. We have also cele- brated holidays, shared meals, talked over our fence, and enjoyed quiet evenings on their porch. You ask me what we love about Creston, and the an- swer is simple. Our church is here. Our neighbors care about us, and we care about them. We have grocery stores, video stores, pharmacies, schools, gas stations, and coffee shops. Creston is a small town on the north- east side of a bigger city, and we have everything we need right here. Creston is our town. Creston may not be a perfect neighborhood, but we appreciate that so many of our neighbors are working to make it more so. It frustrates me to see houses bought up by landlords who don’t care about the beauty of Creston. It alarms me to have the police break up par- ties in our streets. It worries me that drugs and gangs are creeping into our neighborhood. But this is our town, and we will stay and fight with our neighbors to keep it. Our house is no longer just a beautiful house in a faceless neighborhood. It’s home. Just like Creston.

Transcript of Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

Page 1: Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

Creston Neighborhood Association

205 Carrier NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Creston Community

Calendar

HELLO NEIGHBOR...PANCAKES WITH CNA Saturday, March 21 · 8am-11am

2nd Congregational Church (525 Cheshire NE)

CNA BOARD MEETING Thursday, March 26 · 6:30pm

CNA Offices (205 Carrier NE)

BLOCK CAPTAIN TRAINING &

MEMBER DRIVE KICK-OFF Saturday, April 18

Location TBA

CNA BOARD MEETING Thursday, April 23 · 6:30pm

CNA Offices (205 Carrier NE)

3RD ANNUAL ART BATTLE FOR COMMUNITY Wednesday, May 6 · 6pm-10pm

Sazerac’s Lounge (1418 Plainfield NE)

2ND ANNUAL PERENNIAL EXCHANGE Tuesday, June 2 · 6:30pm-8pm

Riverside CRC (602 Comstock NE)

We moved to the Creston neighborhood in November of 2000. I know that some people carefully consider the neighborhoods in the city where they would like to live and then they choose the one with the best school, the best “community” feel, the best church, the best restau-rants—whatever it is they deem “best” and most impor-tant. It was not that way for us.

Beau and I married in 1998, just before my senior year at Central Michigan University. After I graduated, Beau transferred to Reformed Bible College, and we moved to Grand Rapids. With very little consideration, we moved to an apartment we liked and could afford in Comstock Park. One year of apartment living convinced us that we wanted to find a house. Over Labor Day weekend in 2000 Beau happened past an Open House sign, which led him to a cute two-story home with a “For Sale By Owner” sign in the front yard. He went in. He fell in love. He hurried to our apartment and dragged me to the house. I fell in love.

Our house was built in 1900, and it has all of the character and quirks of a house of that generation. It also came with a neighborhood to which we honestly gave no thought for a few years. Once we began to have children, however, our thoughts turned to our neighbors. When the time came to look for a new church, we thought we might try the one down the street. Nearly four years later, we still walk there every Sunday. When we went out of town, we asked the neighbor to get our mail. Nearly five years later, we

March-April 2009

Get to know neighbors like the McDowells at

CNA’s Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 21, 2009 · 8am-11am 2nd Congregational Church (525 Cheshire NE)

Neighbor Profile: McDowell family enjoys the small town

feel of life in the Creston Neighborhood by Rebekah McDowellby Rebekah McDowellby Rebekah McDowellby Rebekah McDowell In every issue CNA would like to feature a neighbor to share their experiences in Creston. In this issue, the McDowells, who live in the Southeast corner of the neighborhood, share their story.

have collected each other’s mail enough times to have magazine subscriptions memorized. We have also cele-brated holidays, shared meals, talked over our fence, and enjoyed quiet evenings on their porch.

You ask me what we love about Creston, and the an-swer is simple. Our church is here. Our neighbors care about us, and we care about them. We have grocery stores, video stores, pharmacies, schools, gas stations, and coffee shops. Creston is a small town on the north-east side of a bigger city, and we have everything we need right here. Creston is our town.

Creston may not be a perfect neighborhood, but we appreciate that so many of our neighbors are working to make it more so. It frustrates me to see houses bought up by landlords who don’t care about the beauty of Creston. It alarms me to have the police break up par-ties in our streets. It worries me that drugs and gangs are creeping into our neighborhood. But this is our town, and we will stay and fight with our neighbors to keep it.

Our house is no longer just a beautiful house in a faceless neighborhood. It’s home. Just like Creston.

Page 2: Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

Page 2 The North End Connection

The times they are a changin’ by Deborah Eid, CNA Executive Directorby Deborah Eid, CNA Executive Directorby Deborah Eid, CNA Executive Directorby Deborah Eid, CNA Executive Director

The words of this song by Bob Dy-lan are so relevant to those of us w a t c h i n g the world around us shift daily and again

the changing times are both of hope and despair. What a time to be doing community organizing! On Feb. 5 President Obama added "Neighborhood Partner-ships" to the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives. In the press release he is quoted saying:

"There is a force for good greater than government. It is an expression of faith, this yearning to give back, this hungering for a purpose larger than our own, that reveals itself not simply in places of worship, but in senior centers and shelters, schools and hospitals, and any place an American decides."

You, neighbor, are part of that force for the greater good and being part of our neighborhood association multiplies your individual strengths many times

over. In this insecure time the biggest asset the neighborhood has is you.

What are your gifts? How would What are your gifts? How would What are your gifts? How would What are your gifts? How would you like to use them? you like to use them? you like to use them? you like to use them? Here are some ideas! Call the office at 454-7900 and we'll get your name and number to the committee chair.

Playgrounds and Parks:Playgrounds and Parks:Playgrounds and Parks:Playgrounds and Parks: Do you love kids? How about joining the new Sweet and Diamond Pocket Park renovation group?

Are you interested in offering a Are you interested in offering a Are you interested in offering a Are you interested in offering a service to a neighbor in exchange service to a neighbor in exchange service to a neighbor in exchange service to a neighbor in exchange for something they can do for for something they can do for for something they can do for for something they can do for you? you? you? you? An old fashioned barter economy for CNA can help us build community connections and stretch our dollars.

Member to Member Organizing Member to Member Organizing Member to Member Organizing Member to Member Organizing Committee: Committee: Committee: Committee: CNA Members will invite all Creston residents to become new members this spring. New and long time members are invited to join this ongoing work.

Block Captains and Public Safety Block Captains and Public Safety Block Captains and Public Safety Block Captains and Public Safety Committee: Committee: Committee: Committee: In April April April April we will hold a training for our block captains and new neighbor organizers and kick off our membership drive membership drive membership drive membership drive in this 30th year of CNA's work.

Aberdeen Park Celebration Aberdeen Park Celebration Aberdeen Park Celebration Aberdeen Park Celebration Committee: Committee: Committee: Committee: This annual event is

celebrating its' 30th year. We need new members to bring new energy and ideas to the table. Meetings will begin in March.

Hello Neighbor Event Volunteers: Hello Neighbor Event Volunteers: Hello Neighbor Event Volunteers: Hello Neighbor Event Volunteers: We need members to create flyers and distribute them, make calls, staff tables at the events, help flip pancakes or grill hot dogs, or meet and greet people.

And special KUDOS to these And special KUDOS to these And special KUDOS to these And special KUDOS to these great CNA volunteers this spring:great CNA volunteers this spring:great CNA volunteers this spring:great CNA volunteers this spring: The VISTA program has finished a successful five year contract with CNA. The current Vistas Kaylee Milanowski Kaylee Milanowski Kaylee Milanowski Kaylee Milanowski and Christa Christa Christa Christa LenssenLenssenLenssenLenssen will be saying good-bye to Creston on March 13, 2009. We thank them for their terrific focus and flexibility in everything they've done to get the work of neighborhood improvement done!

Emily Martin Emily Martin Emily Martin Emily Martin is our brand new editor of the newsletter, a time consuming and much appreciated job. Carol Bruegger, Carol Bruegger, Carol Bruegger, Carol Bruegger, our AARP receptionist, just became the newsletter ad coordinator. Candace Gavin Candace Gavin Candace Gavin Candace Gavin from our board has offered to serve as liaison to the Public Safety Committee. Glenn and Sue Disosway Glenn and Sue Disosway Glenn and Sue Disosway Glenn and Sue Disosway organized the brand new office painting done by Tim DeMaat'sTim DeMaat'sTim DeMaat'sTim DeMaat's company in January.

Calling the Police Quickly and Effectively Which Number Do I Call? by Mac Brown, CNA Community Safety Organizerby Mac Brown, CNA Community Safety Organizerby Mac Brown, CNA Community Safety Organizerby Mac Brown, CNA Community Safety Organizer

NonNonNonNon----emergency: 456emergency: 456emergency: 456emergency: 456----3400340034003400 *A suspicious situation,

person, or vehicle *Non-emergency criminal activity, such as loud music or a drug sale

Emergency: 911Emergency: 911Emergency: 911Emergency: 911 *When a crime is in progress

*A medical emergency *A fire

To file a report: 456To file a report: 456To file a report: 456To file a report: 456----3403340334033403 *When a police presence is not required, but a report needs to be filed for crime or damage

done to property

Knowing which number to call when you call the police will ensure a timely response to the situation. Below are the three most important numbers and when to call each.

Be ready to give them the following information: location of the incident, what is currently happening, if there are any injuries, whether or not the suspect is still at the scene, as well as suspect and

vehicle descriptions. Call back if new information is witnessed after the initial call.

Photo: Tommy Allen, 2008

March-April 2009 Page 11

Creston Neighborhood AssociationCreston Neighborhood AssociationCreston Neighborhood AssociationCreston Neighborhood Association

205 Carrier NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505

616.454.7900 Fax 616.454.8190

www.crestongr.com

Office Hours Monday-Friday 9am-2pm

The Creston Neighborhood Association is a nonprofit

organization serving the northeast Grand Rapids community whose boundaries are Leonard Street to the south, the Grand River to the west, Four Mile Road to the North, then Plainfield Avenue south to I-96 and along the city

corporation line to Knapp Street, east to Fuller Avenue, then south to Leonard Street. Membership

is open to anyone inside or outside of these boundaries.

The Creston Neighborhood Association Board of Directors

meets on the fourth Thursday of most months. Meetings are open to the public—contact our office

for time and location.

Board of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of Directors Tommy Allen

Glenn Disosway (Treasurer) Candace Gavin (Secretary) Pastor Charles Geschiere

Pilar Jimenez Sara Kasprzak (Vice President)

Emily Martin Nicole Natario-Risk (President)

Dorothy Velasco (Associate Member)

StaffStaffStaffStaff

Deborah Eid, Executive Director Mackenzie Brown, Community Safety Organizer

Sue Capps, Executive Assistant Christa Lenssen, VISTA Volunteer

Kaylee Milanowski, VISTA Volunteer Carol Bruegger, AARP Receptionist

The North End Connection is the newsletter of the Creston Neighborhood Association, published 6 times a year.

Circulation: 1000. Advertising space is available. Contact

our office for rate information.

Newsletter contributors:Newsletter contributors:Newsletter contributors:Newsletter contributors:

Tommy Allen, Mackenzie Brown, Carol Bruegger, Sue Capps, Deborah Eid, Ruth Kelly,

Emily Martin, Rebekah McDowell, Kaylee Milanowski, Linda Ortman

A City of Grand Rapids Community Development Block Grant

Funded Program

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the

staff, Board of Directors or membership of the organization.

Become a

Member!

Members get a subscription

to this newsletter, receive

invitations to great local

events, and get to be part of

an organization which has

been working to make this

neighborhood great for the

past 30 years.

Check here if you do not wish to be recognized in our newsletter.

Page 3: Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

Page 10 The North End Connection

Thank you

to our

advertisers

March-April 2009 Page 3

I found a great business in our neighborhood this summer tucked in the basement at 1116 Plainfield. Casey and his pomeranian Bandit’s upholstery shop is a fun place to visit and a great place to bring your tired chair or sofa for an update.

Casey learned the craft from his grandfather, Joseph Russo Sr. Joseph worked at Beuschels on Hall and Madison in the 1950’s and after he retired did specialty work in his garage where his grandson learned the basics of the trade. After trying his hand at a real variety of jobs, Casey took classes at Kent Skill Center and worked his way to his own shop. He is now doing work for which he has a real passion.

His grandfather taught him to never cut corners and do it right the first time. He likes the challenge and problem solving involved in each individual piece and loves the fact that he is always learning.

Local Business Profile: Casey’s Upholstery Shop by Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortman B e s i d e s

standard resi-dential pieces, Casey has done restau-rant booths, outdoor cushions, cornices, and boat seats for my 1956 Wavemaker. Some of his favorite works he calls “rescues”. This means someone found a very worn sofa or chair on the curb, brought it to Casey for a redo and took home a fabulous new piece of furniture.

Casey explained that upholstery fabrics and even leather are now made from recycled materials which make upholstering a double green way to help our environment.

If you are thinking of tossing out a piece of furniture, stop!! Instead, go see Casey and give that old piece a new lease on life! Call Casey for more information at 454-7015.

Casey’s Shop is located at:

1116 Plainfield Ave.

Phone: 454-7015

Page 4: Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

Page 4 The North End Connection

Habitat ReHabitat ReHabitat ReHabitat Re----StoreStoreStoreStore 5701 S. Division· 531-4591

habitatkent.org/restore ReStore offers new and gently used home improvement materials at prices below average retail rates. Plus, the money you spend here helps fund Habitat homes in the West Michigan area.

Pitsch SalvagePitsch SalvagePitsch SalvagePitsch Salvage 675 Richmond · 363-4895 · pitschco.com If you are looking for a furnace, door, sink, light, switch, or anything else

found in a building, Pitsch has it. It’s an especially great place for finding historic items to match those you already have. I even found some great canning jars

and dishes there once!

Home Repair ServicesHome Repair ServicesHome Repair ServicesHome Repair Services 1100 S. Division · 241-2601

homerepairservices.org They have a store just like Habitat, along with a tool lending library, classes, and

financial counseling.

FreecycleFreecycleFreecycleFreecycle freecycle.org

This is probably my favorite resource of all, because everything here is free! This online forum allows you to post items you are giving away, trading, or looking for. Who knows—that new door you need might just be lying around someone’s

garage right now!

CraigslistCraigslistCraigslistCraigslist grandrapids.craigslist.org

Another online resource with for sale listings in many different categories. There is no cost to post or respond to listings. I have found some of my favorite pieces of furniture here.

Vote YES for rapid transit on May 5, 2009

by Emily Martinby Emily Martinby Emily Martinby Emily Martin

Home Improvement

on a Budget

I recently attended a board meeting at the Rapid and learned that there will be a new rapid transit bus route along South Division called the "Silver Line," if voters in six cities approve a millage to fund the project.

The Rapid board decided to ask voters for an additional 0.16 mills to operate the new rapid transit route. The line would operate like a rail system rather than tradi-tional bus lines by using dedicated lanes and providing much faster trips. It will stretch 10 miles down South Division, from downtown Grand Rapids to 60th Street in Gaines Township.

If voters approve, the hike won't take effect until the summer of 2012 which is a good thing, given today’s economic climate! Studies of similar projects found that the return on rapid transit investment averages around 400%. If funded, 405 new and permanent jobs are projected as a result. "It's a stimu-lus," said Mayor George Heart-well, who sits on the board. "It can be a magnet, especially around those stations."

The millage increase would gen-erate about $3.3 million in the first year and cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $8 a year—about the same as five gallons of

The Silver Line: Federal money may

make its way to Grand Rapids!

gas. Rapid officials say the federal government will agree to release the $32 million to build the line only if the money to operate the system is secured now.

The $40 million project will be funded with an additional $8 mil-lion in state funds and is expected to launch in 2012. The proposal will be on the ballot May 5th.

The Rapid has been working closely with local jurisdictions on strategies to address mobility im-provements, economic develop-ment, traffic congestion, and envi-ronmental concerns and says this is the initial step in building rapid transit throughout Kent County. “This is the first time in Michigan history,” said Rapid Transit execu-tive director Peter Varga, “we’ve had federal transportation money come into this state for rapid transit systems.”

I’d love to see some of my federal taxes return to Grand Rapids and believe we need to move toward rapid transit and away from auto-mobile dependency. Given that this millage won’t go into effect for a few years, we’d get much needed

jobs, $40 million of our taxes back, plus start to move away from car and parking costs, this would be a very good investment!

More info at ridetherapid.org.

by Ruth Kellyby Ruth Kellyby Ruth Kellyby Ruth Kelly

There are many places in Grand Rapids where you can find inexpensive or used building materials. Taking advantage of used building materials is a great way to keep things out of landfills

and conserve the energy and natural resources that would be needed to manufacture new items. Here are some of the great resources I have found and now share with you.

March-April 2009 Page 9

Welcome New &

Renewing Members! John K. Alexander & Mary Kaye Kimmel-Alexander Shirley Boyle Janette Buhl Larry & Sue Capps Thomas R. Carlyle Janice Covell Jolene DeLuca Tuti & Pete DeMaagd Robert & Donna Eggleston Tom & Jane Elferdink Robert & Alice Franzen Tim & Lynne Goodwin Thomas & Jerene Gunn Jeanne & Joe Howell David & Darla Jewell Mary Koenen Don & Terry Koopman Mary Jane Krajewski Kathy & Terry Kuhn Molly & Doug Lachniet Richard & Joyce Locke Evelyn Mann Peg & Roger Markle Katherine McDonald Beau & Rebekah McDowell

Tim Meendering Dr. Helen Morsink David & Jeneen Needham Nancy Noel Steve & Mary Oosterheert Linda Ortman Fred & Arlene Ortman Linda & Bob Paasche Charmaine & Todd Rainke Daniel & Jan Scanlon John Schmidt Daniel Schoonmaker Dr. Eugene & Patty Soechtig Nancy VanderHenst Dorothy Velasco Dane & Janice VerMerris Marjie & John Weiss Jerome & Irene Wittkoski Cassandra & Scott Younts Sharon Zils Business MembersBusiness MembersBusiness MembersBusiness Members Baker Catering Morrison Industrial Equipment Co. O'Brien & O’Brien DDS PC Plainfield United Methodist Church

Resident enjoys CNA’s Perennial Exchange last June. Look in the next

newsletter for more on this June 2 event! Photo: Tommy Allen, 2008

See page 11 for more information on becoming

a member or renewing your membership.

Page 5: Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

Page 8 The North End Connection

Crafting is a great way of reusing materi-als that other-wise might end up in landfills. It’s all about rethinking how things can be used. Here are two craft ideas to get you started. See what else you can come up with!

Making your own greeting cards can be a great way to

save money and a fun activity to do with your kids, or with friends. Plus, it gives a personal touch to every card you get. You can even bundle up packets of blank cards with some ribbon and give them as gifts.

I make greeting cards out of all sorts of used pieces of paper—from old magazines and catalogs, to paper

samples, old stamps, and greeting cards. All you need are some scissors and glue to see how creative you can be. I even have tried using a needle and scraps of yarn or string to embroider pictures on cards.

If you hate losing one earring as much as I do, you will love this idea. I always hold on to those single earrings for far too long. One day I decided I either needed to get rid of them or figure out some way to use them. So, I made the necklace below using an earring for which I’d lost the partner.

All I did was cut off the earring hook part with some wire cutters, so I had just the pendant. Then I attached it to an old chain with a jump ring using some needlenose pliers. A brand new necklace in about fifteen minutes. So, rather than throwing out those mismatched earrings, see if you can transform them into some new jewelry.

Green Living: Recycled Crafts by Emily Martinby Emily Martinby Emily Martinby Emily Martin

We’ve put together a list of important important important important city phone numberscity phone numberscity phone numberscity phone numbers for reference.

Clip this list and keep it handy.

City Recycling Hotline 456456456456----4444444444444444 Creston Library 988988988988----5410541054105410

GR Customer Service Info 456456456456----3000300030003000 Garbage Collection 456456456456----3232323232323232

Go Bus 456456456456----6141614161416141 GR Public Schools 819819819819----2000200020002000 Humane Society 453453453453----8900890089008900

Kent County Animal Shelter 336336336336----3210321032103210 Landlord/Tenant Disputes 245245245245----2207220722072207

Lawyers Referral 459459459459----6019601960196019 Odd/Even Parking Enforcmt. 456456456456----3400340034003400

Police Non-emergency 456456456456----3403340334033403 Property Taxes 456456456456----3020302030203020

Senior Neighbors 774774774774----0121012101210121 Silent Observer 774774774774----2345234523452345

Social Service Referrals 211211211211 Street Snow Removal 456456456456----3232323232323232

U.S. Social Security 800800800800----772772772772----1213121312131213 Water Service Repair 456456456456----3249324932493249

grcity.us grcity.us grcity.us grcity.us for lots of other helpful info

March-April 2009 Page 5

The Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory (CNRD) has been printed! If you haven’t heard about the CNRD yet, it is a guide that includes city agencies, non-profits, churches, schools, and informational tips that help empower residents to take action in their lives and in their community.

You can find seven categories of information in the Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory: Housing, Community, Health, Pantries, Public Institutions, Kids, and Other. The CNRD helps address concerns such as how to locate affordable housing, paying your utilities when you can’t afford them, solving neighborhood disputes, finding social groups, knowing where to go if you don’t have healthcare coverage, locating area food pantries, childcare, transportation, etc.

by Kaylee Milanowski, CNA VISTA Volunteerby Kaylee Milanowski, CNA VISTA Volunteerby Kaylee Milanowski, CNA VISTA Volunteerby Kaylee Milanowski, CNA VISTA Volunteer

Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory Now Available That is just a small portion of the information found within its 80 pages of valuable resources located in or near the Creston neighborhood. We also included informational tips that touch on healthy parenting techniques, green living, financial help, and more community/self improvement topics. We plan to give them out to area churches, food pantries, health clinics, and other non-profits to help us distribute to those who will benefit from the directory the most. We have found this project to be deeply rewarding and hope that many people utilize the many resources Grand Rapids has to offer!

If you would like a free Resource Directory, stop by CNA’s office at 205 Carrier anytime Monday-Friday between nine and five and we will gladly provide you with a copy! A big thanks to the Kent Intermediate School District for their help in printing 500 copies!

Emily joined the board just this past October. After being part of the newsletter committee for a few months, she was ready to take on a more active role in her neighbor-hood association.

After moving one too many heavy boxes from moving nearly every year, she decided to buy a house. “I had heard a lot of great things about the Creston neighborhood, and started looking primarily at houses here. I loved all of the trees.

It just made it feel more like home.”

Since purchasing her home in June of 2007, Emily knows she made the right choice. She loves the friendliness of her neighbors, and their willingness to help each other out. She also loves all of the great businesses and parks within walking distance, and that when the weather is not too bad, she can even walk downtown.

Her vision of Creston includes a walkable and close-knit community where neighbors spend evenings together on their porches and are able to meet all of their needs within a short walk of their home.

“I am always telling people they should move here—it’s a great neighborhood for first-time home buyers.”

Owning a house can seem scary to some of her peers, but Emily finds it’s not so scary as it is rewarding. “Although there is no landlord to call when water starts leaking in the house, I am able to

get to know my neighbors in a way that I wasn’t able to when I was a renter.”

When she is not working on home improvement projects, Emily enjoys cooking and gardening. She would love to see Creston develop its own farmer’s market.

Emily, like all board members, is a volunteer elected by CNA’s membership at the annual meeting. If you would like to get involved in the board or one of CNA’s committees, contact the CNA office at 454-7900 for more information.

CNA Board Member Profile: Emily Martin

Emily’s Creston Highlights:

Favorite activity:

Taking walks to discover

new parts of Creston

Best part of Creston:

The trees

Favorite restaurant:

Impossible to

choose just one!

Emily Martin with her Blackberry Chocolate Truffle Pie at the CNA Pie

Bake-Off at Riverside Park in July 2008.

Page 6: Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter March/April 2009

Page 6 The North End Connection

Creston History: Grand Rapids Boat & Canoe Club

by Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortman

I often tell people that living in the north end of Grand Rapids is the best kept secret. We have so many beautiful parks, friendly neighbors and a very long and interesting history. One estab-lishment that meets all these standards is the Boat and Canoe Club in North Park The Club sits right on the Grand River at the North Park Bridge.

To find out some of the club’s history I went to the 4th floor of the Ryerson Library to look through archives and photos. I couldn’t believe my luck!! The librarian brought me a donated scrapbook put together by one of

the original members. I put on the gloves and began reading old press clippings from 1902. Besides dozens of press clippings, the book contained regatta results, beautiful photos, dance cards, letters from the president to remind members of their dues, ads for the hosted county fair, and I think everything related to the club until about 1919.

The original club was organ-ized in 1902 out of the remnants of the Reed’s Lake Owashtanong Club which had gone defunct in 1890. The private club’s original 100 charter membership was

made up of many of the city’s young businessmen with some familiar north end names like Boltwood, Conger, Russell, and Taylor. In 1908 the club held a grand party to showoff the newly constructed clubhouse. It cost $10,000 and was considered the to be one of the finest boat clubs in the State. Members enjoyed dances in the huge 60x80 foot ballroom, waterfront activities on the wide sandy beach, tennis, and watching rowing regattas from the sweeping verandas that over looked the river. Every spring members took part in the traditional canoe trip. They

March-April 2009 Page 7

Grand Rapids Boat & Canoe Club

rode to Lowell on the train with their canoes in the baggage car and canoed leisurely down the Grand River to a waiting party at their clubhouse.

The ascent of other summer activities and increased use of the automobile caused the Boat and Canoe Club to cease operation in 1929. The City of Grand Rapids took over the property but soon sold it to the Grand Rapids Coach and Motor Co. which used it as a roller

skating rink. The City took the property back in the mid 1930’s and in 1941 they sold it to the American Legion.

The club today is owned and operated by 3 American Legion Posts. The original elegant club-house burned to the ground in 1964 and the Post was rebuilt on the same site with some changes that made it safer in flood times.

Currently, the club is used for social and civic Legion-sponsored events. In the past

year the Post was struggling to continue and members decided to reopen the bar to members and their guests. This changed has allowed the club to continue serving members with dances, charitable events, and a lot of good camaraderie.

Membership is open to all veterans, their wives, daughters and granddaughters. For more information please call 361-7685 or stop in for a quick tour.

by Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortmanby Linda Ortman