Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter October/November 2008

Creston Neighborhood Association

205 Carrier NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Become a

Member!

Your membership dues

help fund CNA’s work to build

community in Creston and

make it the great place to live

and do business that it is!

You’re Invited!

Creston Neighborhood Annual Meeting

Thursday, October 23rd

Palmer Elementary School

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Hello neighbors! Fall is upon us, which means it is time for our CNA Annual Meeting. We hope you will join us on October 23rd, as we are eager to share our progress, introduce new staff, hear your vision for the neighborhood and invite you to share your talents and skills through a number of exciting volunteer opportunities.

One particular volunteer opportunity we would like to highlight is that of serving on the CNA Board of Directors. Our board has been busy planning programs and strengthening the infrastructure of our organization. Board members guide policy, develop programs to address community needs, plan fundraising and outreach events, and much more. While there is much to be done at CNA, and it is important that board members have adequate time to dedicate to their volunteer service, we always have fun working together toward our goals. It is a

Annual meeting brings neighborly fun and opportunities to serve rewarding experience full of opportunities to get to know your neighbors as friends and develop important leadership skills.

If you have skills and perspectives you would like to share with the community, please consider filling out an application to serve on the CNA Board of Directors. Board members can either be voted on by the membership at the annual meeting or appointed throughout the year as vacant positions become available. Applications may be requested by phone or email at 616.454.7900 and [email protected], or picked up at the CNA office. Completed applications should be submitted to the CNA office by Monday, October 20th at 5:00 p.m. If you have questions about what it means to serve on the board, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the office. One of our current board members would be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have.

October-November 2008

Inside this issue… Introduction to new CNA staff members, Summer Fun in Creston, New

murals in our neighborhood, Community Calendar and more!

What a great tradition of community building here in Creston!

I feel honored to have been chosen to help lead this strong and growing 30 year old grassroots organization. Special thanks go out to the recent and current staff of CNA for helping me with this time of transition.

CNA and I became friends eight years ago when I joined the organizers as a parent volunteer working to bring change to the Grand Rapids area public schools my children attend. Since my move here from Chicago twelve years ago I’ve bought my holiday chocolates from Sweetland, my fresh produce and homemade kielbasa for our family’s boiled dinners from Kingma’s, listened to music at Quinn and Tuite’s when it was Pete Brown’s office, read books in the library long before it became the Red Ball Jet Café, and roller bladed, hiked, biked and cheered on the sports teams at Riverside Park, bought art at the Artist’s Market, and jammed on the Grand.

My mandate here at CNA brings me the opportunity to apply all my trades and interests; organizing and social justice advocacy, teaching and studying sustainable business through Aquinas, especially as it applies to growing our local economy. Here at CNA we are partnering with Creston Business Association and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to revitalize the Creston Corridor.

In the three months since I came on board as your director, I’ve enjoyed event after event, all of them organized and led by an amazing committed and capable group of

neighbors, all of whom are volunteers. Art Battle wowed me before I was even on staff. Nine different community building events have been held in this past summer. Read up on those successes inside this newsletter. In October I hope to meet you and hear your hopes for our neighborhood at our annual meeting on the 23rd at Palmer School at 7pm.

The North End Connection

Greetings Creston Neighbors

from your new Executive Director,

Deborah Eid!

See pages 8-9 for more

information on all of the

successes of Creston

events this summer!

October-November 2008 Page 15

Creston Community Calendar Fall StorytimeFall StorytimeFall StorytimeFall Storytime Fridays October 3 through December 5Fridays October 3 through December 5Fridays October 3 through December 5Fridays October 3 through December 5 10:30am at Van Belkum Branch Library10:30am at Van Belkum Branch Library10:30am at Van Belkum Branch Library10:30am at Van Belkum Branch Library Join us each week for stories, songs, crafts, and play activities. Storytimes are free and open to preschoolers ages 3-5 and their families. No registration is required.

Creston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall Meeting Thursday, October 9Thursday, October 9Thursday, October 9Thursday, October 9 7777----8:00pm at North Park Presbyterian Church8:00pm at North Park Presbyterian Church8:00pm at North Park Presbyterian Church8:00pm at North Park Presbyterian Church Mingle with neighbors and pick up a copy of the Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory.

Fun with Ferrets!Fun with Ferrets!Fun with Ferrets!Fun with Ferrets! Saturday, October 11Saturday, October 11Saturday, October 11Saturday, October 11 3:00pm at Van Belkum Branch Library3:00pm at Van Belkum Branch Library3:00pm at Van Belkum Branch Library3:00pm at Van Belkum Branch Library Join Dee Gage and some of her ferret friends and members of West Michigan Ferret Connection. Learn about basic care and feeding of ferrets, their health, and history. Is a ferret the right pet for you? For ages 7 and up. No registration is required.

Texas Hold ‘Em TournamentTexas Hold ‘Em TournamentTexas Hold ‘Em TournamentTexas Hold ‘Em Tournament Sunday, October 12Sunday, October 12Sunday, October 12Sunday, October 12————Wednesday, October 15Wednesday, October 15Wednesday, October 15Wednesday, October 15 The Break RoomThe Break RoomThe Break RoomThe Break Room Proceeds will benefit CNA’s AmeriCorps VISTA program.

Mothers of Preschoolers GroupMothers of Preschoolers GroupMothers of Preschoolers GroupMothers of Preschoolers Group Thursday, October 16Thursday, October 16Thursday, October 16Thursday, October 16 9:009:009:009:00----11:15am11:15am11:15am11:15am New preschoolers group for moms of kids, infant to six years old. To RSVP or for detailed information contact St. James Lutheran Church at 616-363-7718.

CNA Annual MeetingCNA Annual MeetingCNA Annual MeetingCNA Annual Meeting Thursday, October 23Thursday, October 23Thursday, October 23Thursday, October 23 7:007:007:007:00----9:00pm at Palmer Elementary School9:00pm at Palmer Elementary School9:00pm at Palmer Elementary School9:00pm at Palmer Elementary School See results from the past year, learn of the board’s vision for the neighborhood, meet new staff members, elect new board members, and find out more about volunteer op-portunities.

Creston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, November 5Wednesday, November 5Wednesday, November 5Wednesday, November 5 7777----8pm at Riverside Christian Reformed Church8pm at Riverside Christian Reformed Church8pm at Riverside Christian Reformed Church8pm at Riverside Christian Reformed Church Mingle with neighbors and pick up a copy of the Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory.

Creston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall MeetingCreston Town Hall Meeting Thursday, November 13Thursday, November 13Thursday, November 13Thursday, November 13 12:0012:0012:0012:00----1:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church1:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church1:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church1:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church Mingle with neighbors and pick up a copy of the Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory.

Dumpster DaysDumpster DaysDumpster DaysDumpster Days Tuesday, October 18Tuesday, October 18Tuesday, October 18Tuesday, October 18 Berean Baptist ChurchBerean Baptist ChurchBerean Baptist ChurchBerean Baptist Church Clean out your house or apartment before winter and bring all your trash here and dispose of it free of charge.

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

Candace Gavin (Secretary) Pastor Charles Geschiere (Vice President)

Sara Kasprzak (Treasure) Nicole Natario-Risk (President)

Jennifer VanderMey Dorothy Velasco Catalanotti (Associate Member)

Jeff Winston

StaffStaffStaffStaff Deborah Eid, Executive Director Sue Capps, Executive Assistant

Mackenzie Brown, Community Safety Organizer Kaylee Milanowski, VISTA Volunteer Christa Lenssen, VISTA Volunteer

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, Carol Brugger, Deborah Eid, Candace Gavin, Charles Geschiere,

Ruth Kelly, Megan Kruis, Christa Lensen, Emily Martin, Kaylee Milanowski, Nicole Notario-Risk,

Elisa Van Dyke

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.


Shop

Local!

Did you know, when you

shop at locally-owned

businesses, more of the

money you spend stays in our local economy

supporting other locally-

owned businesses?


Come pick up your copy of the Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory (CNRD)! The CNRD, a guide that includes city agencies, non-profits, churches, schools, and informational tips, is finally finished! It helps answer questions about who to call concerning housing issues, your health and wellness, safety tips, your neighborhood and community, locations of area food pantries, care for your children, and much more.

We will be distributing these directories at our four interactive community meetings to be held throughout the neighborhood. Come join us at one of these town hall meetings:

Creston Town

Hall Meetings

November 5; 7November 5; 7November 5; 7November 5; 7----8pm8pm8pm8pm Riverside Christian Reformed ChurchRiverside Christian Reformed ChurchRiverside Christian Reformed ChurchRiverside Christian Reformed Church

602 Comstock NE602 Comstock NE602 Comstock NE602 Comstock NE

November 13; 12November 13; 12November 13; 12November 13; 12----1pm1pm1pm1pm Trinity Baptist ChurchTrinity Baptist ChurchTrinity Baptist ChurchTrinity Baptist Church 2050 Aberdeen NE2050 Aberdeen NE2050 Aberdeen NE2050 Aberdeen NE

At the meetings you can learn all about the Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory as well as talk with agency representatives highlighted in the guide and mingle with your fellow neighbors. Light refreshments will be provided.

Access to a computer? Log onto crestongr.com to view our electronic version of the Creston Neighborhood Resource Directory.

Introducing Creston’s new

Community Safety Organizer,

MacKenzie Brown Mac started his new life as a community organizer with Creston Neighborhood on September 9, 2008. He hit the ground running, taking calls and concerns from neighbors, meeting with our community beat police officer, and pulling together the block captains who participate in the Public Safety Committee for their first meeting since the departure of our long-time and very committed CPO, Mary Beuche. Her work with the neighbor-hood has laid a groundwork that gives Mac a skilled and willing volunteer corps.

Linda Hayes passed the community development and housing work baton to Mac, and he’ll be at the upcoming dumpster days events on October 4th at Fourth Reformed Church and October 18th at Berean Baptist.

Mac is originally from Battle Creek, Michigan and majored in Public and Non Profit Administration at GVSU, currently completing a second Bachelors degree in Philosophy.

His interest in community development led to an intern-ship with the city planner of Cedar Springs, and his interest in philosophy keeps him reading while working a few hours at his bookseller’s job he’s held for several years. He also enjoys biking, fishing and traveling.

Mac says that he looks forward to exploring the rest of the neighborhood and getting to know the residents. “This neighborhood has an esteemed history and many dedicated residents. I hope to maintain and build on that reputation. I’m proud to be with CNA and will do my best to fulfill the vision and mission of your volunteer board.”


This past July the Creston neighborhood got to see the installing of the first ever collaboration of CNA with UICA’s ArtWorks program.

The project is mentored by a local artist and brings together a group of students to work closely with community members and the CNA staff & board.

Through the students research considered community member’s comments and repackaged what they heard in a series of ideas on paper of what the final mural would look like.

What was most exciting about this venture was right from the very beginning it became very clear the students had a unique perspective on our community.

The mural presents a vibrant vision of our business district unfolded in bold, bright colors reflecting a diverse community and the activities that occur

A Gateway to the Imagination

within.

The use of common design elements found within our neighborhood business district teamed with the mural’s location act as visual alert of the things to come. It provides a gateway to the imagination and what is possible when we come together.

Even more important is the students who worked to create this project included their likeness on bright circles that reflect the

cultural rings of society that overlap in our lives. This exciting addition wonderfully reflects the diversity of faces found within our community and how, like the mighty river, will flow into the future.

These graffiti styled portraits w e r e a n u n e x p e c t e d addition reflect-ing the art of their generation.

This project is possible through the support of the Creston B u s i n e s s Association, the S t e e l c a s e Foundation and LISC for their funding, Quality Craft Upholstery for the use of their building exterior and most of all the many volunteers and financial contributors to CNA who came together to make our community’s commitment to a vibrant public arts dis-trict a reality.

Please watch the news for upcoming other arts projects as CNA begins to create a destination public arts district. If one would be interested in funding these upcoming projects, please contact Tommy Allen at [email protected] for design details on the project.


Welcome New Members! William and Martha Aldrich Tommy Allen and Michael Pfleghaar Marc and Pam Amante Veronica Aungst Anne Bachle Fifer and Mark Fifer Sally Barnes Jeff and Robin Bartlett George and Jan Bertoia Mary Bierlein Kenneth and Jeanne Bishop Jerry Bohr Frank and Ann Bongiomo Carol Brugger Susan Bryant Mary Bueche Marie Buffington Mary Carter Jim and Betts Casey Larry and Marcia DeBoer James and Marjorie DeLoof Theresa and Ted Diduch Glenn and Sue Disosway Robert Divita John and Marilyn Dooge

Roy and Eleanor DuPraw Sally Emery Diane Ensley David and Mary Ann Gaylord Paul Haan and Julie Nietling Marvin C. and Delores Haight Fred and Sue Harvey Linda Hayes Christopher Helmick and Kurtis Carlson Bill and Elva Hirsch Mary Jo and Robert Hoving Stan and Jean Jarosz Christine Keller and Nate Beversluis William and Doris Kooyer Mandy Lozon Danny Lynn Karen Lyons and Judy Johnson Don and Mary Lou McDonald Marilyn Mejsak Maureen Milanowski Janet Morlock and Larry Byrd Patrick and Pat Murray Doug and Anne Poortenga

Mary Rodenburg Margaret and Seena Schoenwandt Rudolph and Ilene Seadal Roxann S. Shier Rick Szczepanski Nikita Szymczak Diane and Mike Teeter Margaret Tingley Barb and James VanderPloeg Douglas VanMeurs Lucas and Sarah Wepman Byron and Mitzi Zeilbeck

Business MembersBusiness MembersBusiness MembersBusiness Members Second Congregational Church Kay Pharmacy Kent Country Club Berean Baptist Church Kingma's Market Creston Business Association Weatherhead & Sons, Inc. Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Co. Presto Print Inc. Heule Gordon Inc. Sun Title Agency, LLC


Calling all Fun Loving Seniors!

Pets and their care takers are lucky to live in West Michigan where the C-Snip organization has pledged to significantly reduce the over population of cats and dogs by providing low-cost spay and neuter services and by supporting all ef forts that promote humane population control.

Since April 2001 they have sterilized over 37,000 dogs and cats, many of them from the Creston area. Their fees are low and reduced or waived when necessary. They have moved from their mobile unit to a permanent building in Kentwood. They are able to do many more animals each year in their new facility.

C-Snip has many specials throughout the year where they may neuter male cats for only $10, or have a two for one special. Call or go to their website for these specials.

If you have a pet that needs C-Snip’s services, contact them for an appo intment at 455-8220 or C-Snip.org.

C-Snip Serves

CNA Residents

and their Pets

Like to play Bridge? Bingo? Dance? Sing? Want to make new friends and participate in these fun activities?

Northview Schools Senior Center provides all these activities and much more. The Center is at 5255 Grand River Dr. There are activities every weekday and special events, luncheons, trips, etc. through-out the year.

A favorite of many CNA seniors is the Wednesday afternoon Bridge. All you need to do is come on Wednesday about 11:30am and join a table. It’s a really friendly group and many ride share to help those who don’t drive.

To learn more about the Center, call 365-6151 for information and newsletter.


Tommy Allen is no stranger to neighborhood activity. He was involved in the East Hills neighbor-hood while living there and naturally became involved in his new neighborhood when he moved to the north end.

Tommy’s acquaintance with the Creston Neighborhood Association began with volunteering on Creston Corridor Initiative committees. With an artist’s skills for public relations and marketing, Tommy’s creativity has served Creston well over his years of service on committees and nearly five years on the Board of Directors.

Most recently, neighbors have benefited from Tommy’s ingenuity through the series of “Hello,

CNA Board Member Profile, TOMMY ALLEN

28th Annual Aberdeen Celebration in the Park

Neighbor” events. He sees the e v en t s a s f r i e nd - bu i l d i n g opportunities and arenas for neighbors to “put every-day-community into action.”

Tommy has also been behind Creston’s subtly developing consistent public face, with its new logo and soon to be updated website, crestongr.com.

He has been an enthusiastic participant in the organization’s work to increase membership because he strongly believes in the importance of investing in one’s community. To Tommy, member-ship in the Creston Neighborhood Association is a way to contribute to work neighbors believe in but are not able to accomplish on their own.

Tommy’s Creston

highlights:

Favorite restaurant:Favorite restaurant:Favorite restaurant:Favorite restaurant: Red Ball Jet Café

Favorite CrestonFavorite CrestonFavorite CrestonFavorite Creston recreational activity:recreational activity:recreational activity:recreational activity: Hanging out at Sazerac Lounge

Creston’s Best Creston’s Best Creston’s Best Creston’s Best Kept Secret:Kept Secret:Kept Secret:Kept Secret:

Kingma’s pear cider, and the gift section at

Stone’s Throw

“This is one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever had.”

“Wow! There are a lot of things for the kids.”

“What a great family evening!”

“Something for everyone! Wonderful entertainment!”

These are just some of the comments overheard at the 28th Annual, Aberdeen Celebration in the Park, held Wednesday, August 13, 2008. Friends, families and neighbors in the Creston/North End/North Park neighborhoods had a great time

together thanks to the perfect weather and the excellent entertainment provided by the Calder City Concert Band.

On behalf of the board, staff and volunteers of the Creston Neighborhood Association, we offer a BIG thank you to these community groups for making this year’s event a tremendous success. We appreciate the generosity and community spirit of participants; Immanuel-St James School, Trinity Baptist Church, Aberdeen Reformed Church, Riverside Christian Reformed Church, Aberdeen

Elementary School, Aberdeen Reformed Church, Creston Neighborhood Association, Van Belkum Library, Second Congre-gational Preschool. Grand Rapids Police Department K9 Unit, Grand Rapids Fire Department, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Grand Rapids Dog Agility Team, Grand Rapids Karate Academy, John Ball Zoo Traveling Animals.

Special thanks to CarStar Collision and Roger Williams for sponsoring the very popular children’s Bounce House and to Calder City Concert Band for the excellent entertainment.

Aberdeen Celebration in the Park would not be possible without the financial support of these businesses: Car Star Collision, Royce, Rolls Ringer, Bastien Chiropractic, Pilar’s Café, Dr. Spears, O.D., Dale Gould Insurance Agency, Encore Consignment & Sample Shop, Kay Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment, Van Andel Flikkema Chrysler Jeep, Weatherhead & Sons Windows and Remodeling, The Book Corral, Red Ball Jet Café, Baker Catering, FedCom Credit Union,

Culver, Wood and Culver, Roger Nerli, CPA, O’Brien and O’Brien Dentistry


Green Gathering: Ideas

Green Grand Rapids is a city-wide planning process that focuses on the sustainable development of our urban community. To date, public involvement in this process has included “Green Pursuits,” a game that spurs ideas for green i n i t i a t i v e s , a n d “G r e e n Gatherings,” community-wide forums that further define what a vibrant, green city looks like.

How do we influence city policy-makers to work toward a green urban community? Green Gathering: Ideas, held in June, is

one way we can do just that. Suzanne Schultz, city planner, w e l c o m e d 3 0 0 residents who came to contribute ideas about preserving and enhancing our natural resources and infrastructure, and assured us that resident participation has already impacted policymaking.

At the forum residents considered

a variety of topics: natural systems, health, the Grand River, and parks. A slide show that included aerial photographs showed how much of our city is concrete, much like other U.S. urban areas where g r e e n s p a c e averages just 15 percent . Whi le Grand Rapids is on the green track,

w i t h more LEED-certified buildings (Leadership in Energy and E n v i r o n m e n t a l Design) per capita than any other city in the country, the goal is to match cities like S e a t t l e , w h i c h achieved 30 percent green space in 2007.

It’s a complex process that often involves trade-offs. One Green Gathering

group, for example, focused on how to increase the tree canopy and capture rainwater, while accommodating cars, bikes, and busses. Everyone was in favor of more tree planting and diversity (think emerald ash borer), but there were other issues. Should we have medians or curb bump-outs that add plant life and help slow traffic? Should we plant in continuous strips? How many different tree species should be in one area? Where should sidewalks be? Are we willing to give up street parking in certain districts?

Do we want bike lanes? These are the kinds of decisions the city is asking residents to weigh in on.

Those who attended agree that Green Gatherings is worthwhile. Noah Kruis, a CNA board member said, “I was impressed by the turnout and how knowledge-able participants were about the technical aspects of greening. I was also glad to see that Riverside Park rose to the top as a priority for protecting green space. I am excited to see some of these ideas implemented both in Riverside

Mayor George Heartwell addresses attendees of the Green Gathering held at DeVos Place

Attendees participate in a group session where

People were encouraged to use alternative transportation to get to the event, including riding the Rapid, biking, and carpooling


To GRFD and Kingma's for their support of the Firemen and Frankfurter fundraiser

To those neighbors whose front yard gardens set a beautiful example for the rest of us

To the neighbors along Oakwood and

Aberdeen for planting and maintaining the mini gardens in the traffic islands

To everyone who plants flowers

in their front yards so passersby can enjoy

To Riverside Park—the bike path, frisbee course, and

natural beauty

ROSES...

Ready to tackle that roof pro-ject? Is it time for a more energy efficient furnace? Despite the headlines that chat about a credit crunch, there are special loans available for homeowners AND landlords.

The Michigan State Housing D e v e l o pm en t A u t h o r i t y (MSHDA) has a Property I m p r o v e m e n t P r o g r a m specifically for households of low-to-moderate income.

Eligible home improvements include: repairing or replacing a roof; adding insulation; replacing a furnace; adding new siding; remodel ing the k i tchen; upgrading an existing bathroom; installing a ramp; and other similar improvements.

With energy costs continuing to rise, this program is an affordable way to make

Affordable Home Improvement Loans Available improvements that will increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills over the long term. It is also a way to make a home more accessible.

Homeowners can borrow up to $50,000. MSHDA does not require equity in the home for loans $25,000 and under, making it the ideal product for a new homeowner or existing home-owner with limited equity. Because we can amortize the loan up to 20 years, the monthly payments are very affordable for those on a fixed income. The interest rate for homeowners is 4%, 6%, or 8%, depending upon income.

Landlords can borrow up to $25,000 per unit, with a maximum outstanding limit of $100,000 per borrower. Eligible properties cannot have more

than 24 units. The interest rate is fixed at 8%. There are no income requirements for land-lords, but the rental units must meet MSHDA rental limit guide-lines.

Locally, Chemical Bank is a participating lender. Contact Linnea Cumming, 785-2563 for more information.

To those neighbors who think their front lawn is a parking lot

To Fat Boy's closing

To Burger King in Cheshire Village going against their promise and

now being open 24 hours

& THORNS...

What are those Blue Bins and how do I get one?

Page 10 The North End Connection

On trash pick up day there are lots of blue plastic bins lining our Northend streets. New residents have wondered what they are for and how to get them. Here’s the scoop.

These recycle bins are a free service for all Grand Rapids City residents and can be picked up at the Recycle Office at 201 Market St. SW weekdays from 7:30am to 4:00pm. Call 616-456-3232 for questions.

Residents may get two free bins and extras cost just $5.00. At this time they are not available for apartments and businesses, but

Creston’s annual car show was a hit again this year on Saturday, September 6th with more than 120 cars present. Three lively bands played for the many car enthusiasts who came out on the beautiful late summer day.

In addition to the interesting vehicles, the kids had fun with the Bounce House and Rock Climbing Wall donated by Mike and Dave Everts.

The Creston Car Show – A Success! Thanks to the great turnout, the Car Show Committee was able to give away a total of $6,750 to four deserving organizations: North End Community Ministries, Catherine’s Care Center, St. John’s Home and Two Trackers. A special thanks to the ROTC and Robotics volunteers from Creston High School. Hope to see all you again next year!

this may change.

Using the bins instead of putting everything in trash bags saves homeowners lots of money and helps keep many reusable items out of our landfills.

The city now recycles so many items that they need a brochure to list them all! But, here is a short list: plastics coded 1-7, glass, paper, cardboard, magazines, metal, grocery bags and batteries.

If you are a gardener you may want to invest in a big plastic yard cart from the city as well. You can put all your cuttings, clippings etc. in the bin instead of using the

recycle yard waste brown paper bags. Residents buy the carts for $27.50 and tags cost $5.25 per use. They really hold a lot of yard waste.

Also, while we’re talking trash, did you know you can bring your yard wastes to the Butterworth Street recycle dump weekdays and Saturdays 9:00am to 4:45pm? If you have a truck or way to get the branches, leaves etc. there you can save even more money on tags. You must show a drivers license to prove you are a GR resident and no businesses are allowed to use the site. It’s great for a once a year spring clean-up!

by Elisa Van Dyke, Creston High School student


Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

Park and on the Plainfield corridor. I just hope that it won’t take too long to see results!”

Second Ward Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss, who has been involved in the planning process from the start, said, “The conver-sations throughout the night were rich with ideas about how we can improve our current public spaces,

Green Gathering, cont’d.

Attendees view maps of green spaces in Grand Rapids before the session begins

make better use of the river, be better stewards of our resources, create a strong urban canopy, and make parks accessible to all families who live in the city. The large number of people who participated sent a strong message that these are key priorities and have a significant impact on the quality of life in Grand Rapids. I found myself walking away with a renewed sense of energy that, together, we can make a significant impact on the future of our community by creating a clear vision for green space.”

As a participant in both Green Pursuits and Green Gathering, I encourage you to become a part of this process to improve urban living, and to influence policy- makers as they put our tax dollars to work. For more information, call 616-456-3031, or visit www.greengrandrapids.us.

Creston High School Student Has Unique Internship Opportunity

what it is like to be equals with the big dogs, and also see what it is like to do research. The relationship is very unique because at this time, Creston is the only high school that the Van Andel Institute partners with.

Throughout my eight week internship, I became proficient at a variety of experiments, and learned a lot. Text books always have pictures of cells, but to see it as the end result of an

Without the Grand Rapids Area Pre-College Engineer-ing Program (GRAPCEP) at Creston High School, the last summer of my high school career would have probably been unproductive and boring. I was excited to have the opportunity to have a foretaste of what I may want to do for the rest of my life.

Van Andel Institute has a special partnership with the GRAPCEP program, which allows students to get to see

experiment you personally completed is a whole different experience.

This year, I will hopefully be able to tackle my would-be monotonous classes with a new mindset, having read many (quite wordy) scientific articles and working with diseases. My summer here has been very rewarding and I’m sure it will be helpful when I decide on college classes, and a future career.

Break Room

1359 Plainfield Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505

(616) 454-0899

October 12-15 5pm-1am

Proceeds benefit CNA’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program


Summer Fun

The Third Annual Riverside Park 5K Run/Walk kept its promise: “Third time’s the charm.” Although clouds threatened the park, rain held off and a pleasant breeze refreshed runners and walkers cruising through Riverside Park.

The race benefits community development programs of the Creston Neighborhood Association, including neighborhood organized efforts to keep Creston’s gem, Riverside Park, beautiful and ecologically healthy. Nearly seventy people showed up early in the morning on Saturday, July 26 to volunteer or participate in the race, showing their support for the Creston Neighborhood.

The Riverside 5K draws many neighborhood athletes, but this year one contestant from Little Rock, AK joined the race. Steve Hollowell happened to be in Grand Rapids for a conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. He discovered the race onvisited Riverside Park the night before the race to check out the course. Impressed by the large green space, he returned to run on Saturday morning and won third prize.

Generous sponsors and the invaluable work of a volunteer organizing committee have made the Riverside 5K possible for the last three years. This year’s sponsors were My Personal Credit Union, Pilar’s Café and FedCom Credit Union. The organizing committee was composed of our neighbors, Sharon Zils, Candace Gavin, Sara Kasprzak, Tommy Allen, Nicole Notario-Risk and Nancy Allen.

Riverside Park 5K

On a beautiful Saturday in June, CNA hosted a new kind of fund-raiser that not only put a spotlight of the joys of eating locally produced food, but also highlighted one of the finest facilities our tax dollars support, the Grand Rapids Fire Department.

T h r o u g h t h e g e n e r o u s contributions from neighbors and friends of CNA stopping by we were able to raise over $600 in a few short hours.

Much thanks to our event partners, GRFD’s Plainfield station Mike Russell and staff, GRFD Deputy Laura Knapp, GRFD Lt. Matt Keusch, Dave and Harry, Bob & Ed of Kingma’s Market and Dave of Kingma’s Meats.

Also a big thanks to our many volunteers including Michigan Public Radio’s Kaomi Goetz, WMCAT’s Luisa Schumacher, LISC’s Sandy Stuckhardt & her husband Kim, Artists Michael

Frankfurters & Firemen

in Creston

Congratulations toCongratulations toCongratulations toCongratulations toour top racers!our top racers!our top racers!our top racers!

Michael Bain 19:06Steve Hollowell 19:35

Taylor Manett 23:18

Judy Raymond 43:16Jack Swanson Arlis Katerburg 43:32

Sandy Stuckhardt holds up the homemade goodness from Kingma’s Market

Pfleghaar, the Riverside CRC and the CNA staff and board members Tommy Allen and Candace Gavin.

Also appearing at this event was our illustrious Grand Rapids City Commissioner David LaGrand, County Commissioners Carol Hennessey and Brandon Dillon, Rep. Robert Dean, former GR Commissioner and state rep candidate Roy Schmidt, GRPS board member Cathy Mueller and community leader Paul Haan. When we support c o m m u n i t y , beautiful things begin to happen. A big thank you to all who came out to enjoy a hot dog or a brat and linger in conver-sation with your neighbors and friends.

Michael Pfleghaar and Sharon Zils advertise for the delicious food


The skies cleared in time for a beautiful evening at Riverside Park for the CNA VISTAs’ Pie Bake-Off, Saturday July 12. Musicians Sam Kenny and Wildwood Folk each played hour-long sets, while neighbors mingled and tasted a variety of pies, ranging from ginger lemon cream to old fashioned pecan. Twelve contestants entered over 20 kinds of homemade pie, presenting our judges with the difficult task of choosing an

all-around winner. Samplers cast ballots for their favorite pie, while City Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss, Slow Food West Michigan co-founder Veronica Phelps, and Kent Country Club pastry chef Dana McHugh mulled over the various entries. After votes were counted and deliberation ended, Carol Ann Wright’s cherry pie was selected the overall winner and Sara Kasprzak’s peach pie was named runner-up. Wright’s own cherry tree provided her an ample harvest to create her prize-

The Third Annual Riverside Park 5K Run/Walk kept its promise: “Third time’s the charm.” Although clouds threatened the park, rain held off and a pleasant breeze refreshed runners and walkers cruising through Riverside Park.

The race benefits community development programs of the Creston Neighborhood Association, including neighborhood organized efforts to keep Creston’s gem, Riverside Park, beautiful and ecologically healthy. Nearly seventy people showed up early in the morning on Saturday, July 26 to volunteer or participate in the race, showing their support for

The Riverside 5K draws many neighborhood athletes, but this year one contestant from Little Rock, AK joined the race. Steve Hollowell happened to be in Grand Rapids for a conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. He discovered the race on-line, and visited Riverside Park the night before the race to check out the course. Impressed by the large green space, he returned to run on Saturday morning and won third prize.

Generous sponsors and the invaluable work of a volunteer organizing committee have made the Riverside 5K possible for the last three years. This year’s sponsors were My Personal Credit Union, Pilar’s Café and FedCom Credit Union. The organizing committee was composed of our neighbors, Sharon Zils, Candace Gavin, Sara Kasprzak, Tommy Allen, Nicole

Pie Bake-Off

Riverside Park 5K

in Creston

winning pie. For their efforts, Wright was awarded a $50 gift certificate to Bull’s Head Tavern and two tickets to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Kasprzak took home a $20 gift certificate to Kingma’s Market.

We had a great time concocting our own pie recipes, tasting a delicious array of entries, chatting with neighbors, and spending a lovely evening in the park. Thank you to everyone who came and to those who donated their energy, time, and merchandise to support our program!

Judge Veronica Phelps of Slow Food samples the various pies entered in the contest.

Neighbor Judy Raymond proudly displays her lemon meringue pie for sampling

Some of the delicious pies neighbors baked up to enter into the pie contest and support CNA

Congratulations toCongratulations toCongratulations toCongratulations to our top racers!our top racers!our top racers!our top racers!

Runners:Runners:Runners:Runners: Bill Fix 18:49

Michael Bain 19:06 Steve Hollowell 19:35

Youth:Youth:Youth:Youth: Taylor Manett 23:18

Walkers:Walkers:Walkers:Walkers: Judy Raymond 43:16 Jack Swanson 43:26 Arlis Katerburg 43:32

Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter October/November 2008

Education

Transcript of Creston Neighborhood Association Newsletter October/November 2008