David S. Fry

Recently, Attorney David S. Fry opened the Cottage Law Center in Rockford. Fry specializes in the field of cottage law, drawing on his legal experience in the areas of business planning, real estate and estate planning. With 30 years of experience in the practice of law, he has focused specifically on helping clients with their cottage law needs for over a decade.

Fry has worked with clients all over the United States and Canada to create specialized cottage succession plans that fit the needs of their individual families. As a fourth-generation cottage property owner, he brings a unique perspective to the cottage-planning process. He has seen firsthand the family and legal issues involved in vacation property ownership and transferring that ownership to younger generations.

Together with attorney Stuart Hollander, Fry has written the book, “Saving the Family Cottage.” This in-depth read explains why problems arise when a vacation home is passed on to the next generation and offers practical suggestions on how to address these issues.

The book covers how to incorporate succession planning for a vacation home into an estate plan and gives practical advice on such things as how to develop a cottage schedule, whether to establish an “endowment,” and how to allocate control between and within generations of owners.

The book is written in layman’s terms for the vacation home owner. However, it also contains information useful to attorneys and financial planners.

Fry is available to speak to groups on the subject of sharing and passing on the family cottage to future generations. His informative presentations last between 60 and 90 minutes and cover a wide range of legal and family topics.

Independent Bank has been recognized for its 2010 financial literacy efforts by the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA) with the 2011 MBA Financial Literacy Award.

Independent Bank reached more than 20,000 individuals through its financial literacy efforts. The bank educated students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. Bank associates also hosted an all-day event for high school seniors covering planning for the future, balancing a checking account, budgeting, borrowing money, protecting yourself from identity theft, and working in the financial industry.

“We are very excited to be recognized with this award,” said Brad Kessel, Independent Bank’s president. “We see a need for financial literacy education in the communities we serve and are proactively seeking opportunities to educate people across the state about finances.”

Interested groups are encouraged to contact their local Independent Bank office about financial literacy education. A complete list of locations can be found online at IndependentBank.com.

The Kent District Library (KDL) is pleased to announce the selection of Lance Werner to serve as new director of the KDL in Kent County. Werner currently serves as director of the Capital Area District Library in Lansing, and previously worked as library law specialist at the Library of Michigan. He earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, a J.D. from Michigan State University, and an M.L.I.S. from Wayne State University.

Lance Werner

“I am extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve as the director of the Kent District Library, one of Michigan’s premier public library systems,” stated Werner. “Public libraries are needed now more than ever, and the Kent District Library is committed to providing the best service possible.”

Werner begins his appointment as KDL director on Monday, May 2, 2011.

Kent District Library is a millage-supported system encompassing 18 branch libraries in 26 governmental units throughout Kent County. KDL serves 362,312 people in all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, Village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships.

With over 20 years of experience, Lamoreaux is a professional licensed auctioneer specializing in benefit, cattle and personal property auctions. He has traveled throughout the country serving auction clients and is the owner of Lamoreaux Auction and Appraisal LLC, headquartered in Belding, which includes the subsidiaries CanAm Sales Management, Bovinebid.com, Bidderworks.com, and Pinnacle Benefit Auctions.

Launching Bovinebid.com in 2008, Lamoreaux pioneered the expansion of domestic dairy genetic auctions to include online bidding worldwide.

Lamoreaux graduated from the Missouri Auction School and is a member of the National Auctioneers Association and the Michigan State Auctioneers Association. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Aquinas College and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University.

Lamoreaux applauded the MSAA for its continued support of Michigan auctioneers, “The MSAA strives to provide professionals with workshops, presentations and continuing-education opportunities that enhance our abilities as auctioneers. This annual event is a celebration of what we do, and I am honored to represent the auction community of Michigan in 2011 as the Michigan auctioneer champion.”

With approximately 400 members, the Michigan State Auctioneers Association (MSAA) is one of the leaders in the industry, and is proving to continue in that direction in the future. The MSAA is the largest representation of auctioneers in Michigan. The MSAA represents the interests of the auctioneers, providing a forum for networking, sharing ideas and experiences. For more information about the MSAA and the auction industry in Michigan, visit www.FindMichiganAuctions.com.

The 2011 Life is Precious calendars are here! The Alpha Family Center in Cedar Springs is so happy to have them printed and ready to bless homes and businesses in the community. You won’t be disappointed at the photos—each baby is a reflection of God’s love. Each $10 calendar sold helps the Alpha Family Center provide assistance to 1,500 families in the area. For more information or to purchase a calendar, call the Center at (616) 696-2616.

Wolverine World Wide declares quarterly dividend

The directors of Wolverine World Wide Inc. (NYSE: WWW) have declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on February 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on January 3, 2011. The dividend is equal to the last quarterly dividend and reflects an indicated annual dividend of $0.44 per share.

With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The company’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates, Chaco, Cushe, Hush Puppies, HYTEST, Merrell, Sebago and Wolverine. The company also is the exclusive footwear licensee of the well-known brands CAT, Harley-Davidson and Patagonia. The company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in 180 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit their website at www.wolverineworldwide.com.

Owners Melissa Brower and Michelle Wordens

They would like to make it clear to the public that even though donations will be received, they don’t want their dinner guests to feel any obligation to donate. Although they will be collecting donations throughout the entire holiday season, all proceeds will be given to local food panties. Melissa and Michelle have owned and operated the Halfway Restaurant for 14 years and this is their personal way of reaching out and thanking the community at large. The restaurant is located at 10792 14 Mile Road (between Wabasis and Lappley avenues), Rockford. The phone number is (616) 754-9084.

The American Red Cross has launched local public appeals for blood donors to combat a decline in the number of people giving blood this month. The American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region is currently in desperate need for Type O negative and new blood donors to help them be good stewards of the blood supply.

City of Rockford offers fall tree planting program 

The City of Rockford will once again be offering a 50/50 fall tree planting program. Residents who are interested in participating in this program are asked to contact City Hall to make arrangements for the type and location of the tree to be planted. The City offers this program for parkway trees, where the City pays 50 percent of the cost and the resident pays the other 50 percent for the trees planted between the sidewalk and curb area. Once the chosen location is determined to be appropriate for a parkway tree, the City will schedule Miss Dig in advance of City crews planting the trees.

Trees to be offered as part of this year’s fall planting program will include Superform Maples at a cost of $40 per tree to the resident, and Red Sunset Maples at a cost of $50 per tree. This program is available to City of Rockford residents only. Please contact City Hall at (616) 866-1537 to reserve your tree today.

The City of Rockford will be conducting the annual fall hydrant flushing and maintenance program beginning September 20, 2010. This process will be completed by October 1, 2010. During this time you may notice an occasional decrease in water pressure and possibly some slight cloudiness in the water. Most residents will see no change in their water supply. If you should notice a change in the appearance of your water, merely let the water run until it clears, usually within several minutes.

There is no cause for concern with respect to the safety of your water supply. The City performs this service twice a year to maintain a safe, reliable and abundant supply of water for residents. This program also ensures that the fire hydrants in the City are operating correctly and available for use in an emergency. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Brinks at the City of Rockford at (616) 866-0560.

Bishop Hills thanks Rep. Tom Pierce at annual pig roast

Jim and Sue Bodenner took the opportunity at their annual Bishop Hills Pig Roast to thank Rep. Tom Pearce for his service to the 73rd District. He was presented with a Rotary 4-Way Test Plaque and a ceramic cookie jar. “He has been so easy to contact whenever we have had a question or a need from his office,” stated Sue. 

Pearce was not able to rerun for the office because of term limitations. “Tom knows the community so well and really welcomed input from everyone in order to be more thoughtful and collaborative in the legislative process, and we just wanted to thank him for the way he served.”

On June 16, John Milton Clay, 58, of Rockford was fatally injured when his southbound 2002 Ford F150 pickup truck hit a tree lying across Pettis Avenue in Ada Township. Responding to the crash were the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Ada Fire Department, and AMR Ambulance.

Grattan Township to hold cleanup day

Grattan Township is holding a township cleanup day for township residents on July 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at 12050 Old Belding Road. Some items will cost money to drop off. Batteries are $1 each. Appliances without Freon are $3 each, and appliances with Freon are $15 each. Tires must be cut into four pieces. Fuel and propane tanks must be cut in half. Fencing must be folded. There are no liquids, brush-offs, cement, loose trash or shovel-offs allowed. All trash must be contained.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds everyone that the summer Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for June 12-13. On Saturday and Sunday, everyone—residents and non-residents—can fish without a fishing license in Michigan. All other fishing regulations apply. Numerous Free Fishing Weekend activities are scheduled at state parks and fish hatcheries to coincide with the weekend, while sporting clubs and conservation groups state events as well. Free Fishing Weekend activities offer novices the opportunity to learn from experienced anglers and learn about the joys of fishing. For a list of Free Fishing Weekend activities across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.