Summer is prime geocache time

It isn’t just about the trinkets kids can collect at the end of the search. Geocaching is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and summer is a perfect time to get started. For the small investment of a global positioning system (GPS) and a can of bug spray—under $100—families can begin finding “treasure” all around.

Hailey and Nathan Shipaila found this cache along the Cannon Township trail. Along the way they also saw a family of geese, including a dozen golden goslings, a hawk and a muskrat on a boardwalk over a wetlands.

Geocaching has become increasingly popular and GPS prices have dropped since the hand-held devices first came out. Here in Rockford, geocaching can offer tidbits of history and direct hikers to new vistas. By visiting geocaching.com and plugging in coordinates to caches, anyone who can hike can find a variety of treasures. Some geocaches are handicap accessible as well. Geocache hiders can leave behind the traditional ammunition container or be creative with Tupperware, other plastic containers and even “micros,” such as the film canister hidden on the property of The Rockford Squire office at 331 Northland Drive. Many caches are on public land but some, like the Squire’s, are on private property with permission. Here at the newspaper office we love to see geocachers searching around out building trying to figure out where the cache “Free since 1871” is hidden.

Our cache is a good example of how geocaching can educate residents about the history of their community. “Free since 1871” refers to the fact that the Squire, formerly the Rockford Register, is the oldest business in the city. The first issue came out February 1, 1871. While geocaching during business hours, we invite anyone to pop in, say hi, and see what the first page of the first issue looked like. We have it framed on our wall.

Another in-town cache is at Pioneer Cemetery. This one is a multi, which means finding the first set of coordinates is just stage one. You use the information on the gravestones to figure out your next set of coordinates. While completing the mutli-stage cache, searchers receive a mini history lesson on some of Rockford’s earliest residents.

Caches in Rockford include Pickerel Walk View (in Pickerel Park), Indian Joes 7, also in Pickerel. Who remembers when the property was known as Indian Joes and the resident used to sell Christmas trees? The piece of history lives on in geocaching. Find the “Secret Garden” on the same property. For a walk, head along the Cannon Township trail. Rust bucket is both the name and a clue to a geocache hidden there. Farther along find Cannon Trail Walk, just about at the half-way point from the township hall to Townsend Park. Warren of Townsend is another geocache, hidden at Townsend Park. Mr. Eko takes searchers to a very interesting piece of the White Pine Trail that you would not expect to find along the normally flat stretch of trail.

Summer is also a good time to geocache because the hobby is world-wide. Literally anywhere you go—with the exception perhaps of Deb Smitter’s Antarctic expedition—you can find geocaches. Look up geocache locations along the route of your next vacation and use the finds as a way to break up a tedious drive. Before leaving, you can also enter geocaches to be found at your destination. In Maine there are caches designed to explain the geologic history of that unique part of the country. At Ludington, find many historic-themed geocaches and others that take hikers to scenic parts of the park.

As school days near their end for this semester, parents can consider geocaching as an option the first time they hear those summertime complaint: There’s nothing to do. I’m bored.

Children’s Day/Book Day, founded by author Pat Mora in 1996, focuses on a commitment to link all children to books, languages and cultures.

For more information, please call (616) 784-2007 or visit www.kdl.org. The Krause Memorial Library is located at 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford.

Candy to go to troops

One area dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.”  This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Belmont Dentistry, PLC in Belmont and receive $1 per pound.  Dr. John Klooster is leading this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars and toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.

“Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying.  Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets would really give your teeth a healthy boost,” says Dr. John Klooster from Belmont Dentistry.  “Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well. 

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about two percent annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever.  Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain.  In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces.  

Candy will be collected at Belmont Dentistry the day after Halloween only from 3pm to 5pm.  The candy must be unopened. Please no bites.  It will then be shipped to troops overseas.   

Belmont Dentistry is general dental practice committed to providing exceptional dental care for the whole family. Dr. Klooster and the Belmont team is available to provide more information at 616-284-3200, or visit them on-line at www.BelmontSmiles.com.

The Weezil Malone Band starts the Huntington Rogue River Blues Series for the summer. The band performed in downtown Rockford on Tuesday, June 9. Photo by TOM SCOTT

The City of Rockford and the Rockford Area Arts Commission invite the Rockford community to the Huntington Rogue River Blues Series every Tuesday evening, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Garden Club Park (behind Arnie’s), downtown Rockford. These family oriented concerts provide outstanding musical talent, free of charge. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs.

The concerts run from June 9 to August 11. Following is a list of the remaining scheduled performers:

• June 23-Root Doctor
• June 30-James Reeser and the Backseat Drivers
• July 7-Tomas Esparza Blues Experience
• July 14-Steve Hilger Blues Band
• July 21-Harper

After the Blues Series

• July 28-Organissimo (jazz)
• August 4-The Concussions (surf)
• August 11-Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys (honky tonk)

In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the Rotary Pavilion on the corner of Courtland and Squires streets. Parking is available at the South Squires Street parking lot, which is accessed from the Bridge Street entrance drive between Vitale’s and J.T. Stitchery or from the Main Street entrance drive north of the Rogue Valley Towers building. A short, pleasant walk north on the White Pine Trail will bring you directly to the park.

The singer-songwriter has charted more than 70 hit singles across various music genres and topping the country and pop album charts for several decades. In 2006, his album “Water & Bridges” peaked at number five in the Billboard Country Albums sales charts. His 25 number-one hits, including “The Gambler,” “Coward of the County” and “Islands in the Stream,” a duet with Dolly Parton, have helped make Rogers one of the world’s most popular entertainers.

Tickets are now on sale to the general public. Tickets are $61 for members and $63 for the general public, and may be purchased at Meijer Gardens during hours of operation, through MeijerGardens.org and at any Star Tickets location including StarTickets.com and Meijer stores. Per-ticket and per-order fees apply.

“The focus of the day will be on natural landscaping, gardening and learning about invasive plants, but we’ll also have an incredible amount of family-friendly activities,” said Georgia Donovan, president of the local chapter. “There is something for everyone, including refreshments.”

Volunteers will provide information on using rain barrels, erosion control, gardening with wild flowers, successful vegetable gardening, landscaping
for wildlife, tree identification and how to tap into solar energy. Representatives from Ada Parks, the West Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan will also be on hand.

“The idea is to have family fun and also teach people how to take a fresh look at their own property so they can better enjoy and take care of it,” Donovan said. “Call your neighbors and friends and tell them about the event. It’s a great way to embrace nature.”

The Izaak Walton League of America is a nonprofit conservation group dedicated to defending woods, waters and wildlife. To learn more, visit www.michiganikes.org.