Samples, music, games this Saturday

August 26, 2010 · Filed Under Uncategorized, fun · Comment 

Second annual Heirloom Tomato Festival will have plenty to eat, see, do

“This is going to be one absolute blast of a festival,” said organizer Meredith Gremel of this Saturday’s second annual Heirloom Tomato Festival held at Reds on the River from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Businesses throughout downtown are coordinating special pricing and giveaways to go with the ‘Show us your Tomatoes’ theme.

The Heirloom Tomato festival will feature music, events and food under at tent in Red’s parking lot, a marinara contest open to the public, a Little Miss Heirloom pageant for girls under 12 and a wide variety of tomato/harvest-themed fun.

“There aren’t a lot of towns like Rockford anymore,” said Gremel. She referred to the wide variety of shops, the lovely flowers at Peppler Park where hundreds go during the summer for photos, and all the music and festivals that take place here.

The tomato festival idea came from the abundance of the crop. She said Dave Ingraberg farms and Chef Glenn at Reds were commenting on how wonderful yet abundant the tomato is when grown the way nature intended. She said the two decided to have a festival centered on the tomato.

This year there will be heirloom tomato seeds for sale, MSU extension Master Gardeners offering advise, a Red’s sampler offered with ticket purchases, roasted corn, a beer tent and other traditional, harvest time family event. North Kent Service Center will offer a lemonade stand with proceeds to the facility and any left over tomatoes will be donated.

The Festival Line Up includes …

  • 11 a.m. ‐ noon: Dublin Station (www.dublinstation.com/)
  • Noon: Crowing Little Miss Heirloom Tomato Princess (girls 12 Under ‐ dress in tomato, heirloom, or harvest attire and win a gift certificate to Aunt Candy’s Toy Company!)
  • 12:30 ‐ 2:30 p.m. ‐‐ The Bean Poles (www.myspace.com/bobobluescat)
  • 1 p.m.: Marinara Sauce Contest Judging begins (contestants must drop off their sauce in sealed containers clearly labeled with name, address, phone, email, and recipe at 10 am to Reds kitchen. Prepare enough to serve 10 judges). Top three winners awarded Reds gift certificates.
  • Heirloom Essay Contest winner announced — see www.reds‐live.com for details.
  • 3 ‐ 4 p.m.: The Moonrays
  • 10 a.m.—4 pm: Kids games and activities, Old Fashioned Lemonade Stand, Beer Tent, free samples, tomatoes and seeds for sale, Reds best heirloom dishes and freshly pulled mozzarella, roasted corn, grilled brats, cool t‐shirts for sale, and much more!

For more information, check out www.reds‐live.com, Reds Facebook Event page, or call Reds at 616.863.8181.

Gremel said the weather is supposed to be wonderful and there are even more things for people of all ages to experience. She urged those who visit to take the time to wander downtown shops and see what specials the merchants offer.

With all the family favorites, Miss Tomato Head decorating, facepainting, sack races and more along with the old-fashioned fun of a free outdoor event, this festival is sure to please.

Print This Story Print This Story

Tags: , , ,

Mitchell’s Run thru Rockford surpasses goal

August 26, 2010 · Filed Under News, Uncategorized · Comment 

Mitchell’s Run thru Rockford, Saturday, Aug. 21, was another success in both the well-run race and the amount of money raised for Project Parent MD for a cure for muscular dystrophy. The day of the race results were over $77,000, exceeding the goal of $75,000 organizers had set for the twelfth annual event.

Rockford’s Josh Miller about to cross the finish line in first place for the third year in a row at Saturday's Mitchell's Run Thru Rockford. Miller finished in 16:01 and was followed by Dan Kasprouicz, of Grand Rapids, three seconds later at 16:04. Notice "Ace" Rockford Squire photographer Tom Scott in foreground. photo by CLIFF HILL

 

Three-time Mitchell’s Run winner Josh Miller of Rockford took six seconds off his time to win again, this year with a time of 16:01. Coming in second in the men’s division was Dan Kasprouicz of Grand Rapids with a time of 16:04. From Belmont was third place men’s winner Drake Veitenheimer with a time of 16:18. Grant Gunneson, of Rockford came in fourth with a time of 16:29. Andrew Woznick, also of Rockford, was fifth in the men’s division with a time of 16:30.

Taking top win in the women’s division was Jessica Roster of Grand Rapids with a time of 18:18. In second was Val Thomasma, of Belmont, with a time of 18:48. In third place was Mackenzie Adams, of Rockford with a time of 18:50. Taylor Manett, of Grand Rapids, was fourth with a time of 19:03. Amanda Surdenik of Rockford was fifth in women’s with a time of 19:04.

The 5K run/walk, community picnic, silent auction and live music take place in honor of Mitchell Peterson, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 1999. Parents Steve and Sandy want to raise awareness for the many kids who have the disease and the need to find a cure.

Jessica Koster, first place women to cross the finish line. photo by TOM SCOTT

 

photo by TOM SCOTT

Print This Story Print This Story

Tags: , , ,

Jeanine C. Herlacher only woman in representative race

July 8, 2010 · Filed Under Uncategorized · Comment 

Jeanine C. Herlacher only woman in representative race

“Through my work as a Realtor in the community for the last decade, I have PAID ATTENTION to what is on the minds of people in our community,” said Jeanine Herlacher, running for state representtive for Tom Pearce’s office.  “They call me when their house is about to go into foreclosure.  They call me when they have lost an income and need to sell on a short sale.  They call me, crying with an emergency need for a place to live.  You know, when my clients aren’t sleeping at night with worry, neither am I.”

Herlacher said that is why she is running for this office.  “That is why I want to represent our 73rd district community in Lansing.  As a local independent contractor Realtor and Associate Broker for the last decade, I’ve literally been on nearly every street in this huge district!  I understand this community from the inside of people’s homes … where they live … and they expect me to be able to help.  The way things are now, I know that running for this office is the right thing to do, because it’s the best way I can really help make things better for all of our neighbors, family, and friends.”

“I believe that Michigan can and will once again become an economic leader in our nation, rather than pursuing our current rating at the bottom of the 50 states.”

Herlacher pointed out that unemployment in our state continues to be about 14%, the worst in the nation. However, unemployment is the result of an economic illness that can be healed!  She believes the following has contributed to the problems our stateis having:

·        MBT (an excessive Michigan business tax) is killing business and therefore killing jobs. The surcharge has to go, and the tax on gross receipts needs to be cut  by about half.

·        Over-taxation and new fees on the average citizen consume local discretionary dollars which could be spent in local businesses, therefore costing jobs and keeping job providers away from our state.

·        Government take-over of our lives costs jobs and hurts our economy.  We need less intrusive legislation from Lansing and more emphasis on out-of-control spending and the crisis of our schools!
“As a Realtor and Associate Broker, I have a long history of business experience.  I also have attained a Business degree with honors from Northwood University, a conservative, business, leadership, and entrepreneurial focused school.  I know HOW to get our state on the right track to economic recovery!” Herlacher stated.

Following are her thoughts on Michigan politics:

  • We don’t need more attorneys or professional politicians in office (they love to make new laws).  We need citizens with a long-term track record in business to serve our state.
  • We are one of only 4 states in the nation with full-time legislators similarly compensated.  Our economic situation rates at the bottom of the 50 states, while our legislators pay and benefits are the second highest in the nation.  We no longer need a full-time legislature!  Serve, then Go Home, and get a job.
  • We need more Representatives who will start saying, “NO” to creating laws that diminish the liberty of our citizens and “YES” to legislation that encourages job providers, and improves schools.
  • If the laws passed by the House and the Senate are OK for regular-old Americans, they should be the same for the elected law-makers who pass those laws.

    We need your support to put Herlacher in the State House of Representatives for the 73rd District.  Please vote for her in the primary race on August 3rd and in the November election that follows.  We also need your financial support to win.  Please click on the ”Contribute” tab to the left of this page!

    YouTube Video:  Jeanine as Event Chair of the first Grand Rapids Tea Party, 2009:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTx7pNCxArM

    YouTube Video:  Why am I running for State House Representative?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wodOZDFPq-k

Editor’s note: Jeanine Herlacher’s office provided the Squire with more information than we were able to publish in our print edition. For the full article, please visit online at www.rockfordsquire.com.

Jeanine competently takes on leadership roles.  She understands the importance of bringing people together to accomplish substantial goals.

A long-time Republican, (her first vote was cast for Reagan) Jeanine is currently the 35th President of the Kent County Gerald R Ford Republican Women’s Club.  Known as the “Ford Women”, the club’s primary function is political education.

Since taking leadership of this highly respected organization, membership has increased dramatically and she has worked to bring other Republican organizations in the area together to communicate, enhancing the unity and strength of the Republican Party in our community.  You may read her remarks under “President’s Message” on the Ford Women web site:  www.GeraldrFordWomen.com.

She attended the 2008 National Republican Convention and participated as an Alternate Delegate for the Michigan Republican Party.

Jeanine currently serves on the Kent County GOP Executive committee and was asked to
co-chair the Events Committee.

Jeanine was the Event-Chair of the first Grand Rapids “Tea Party” which drew an estimated 3000 plus crowd of area citizens interested in having a voice about what is happening to our Liberty.  You may see her Tea Party speech by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTx7pNCxArM

Currently,  Jeanine is an Associate Broker with Midwest Properties of Michigan.  As a Realtor, she is an independent contractor.  She has been a residential Realtor for the past 10 years and says that she has probably been on about every road within the entire 73rd District, at some time!  The 73rd District includes Plainfield and Canon townships, Rockford, Cedar Springs, Sand Lake, Kent City,  Sparta, and Lincoln Lake are.  As the Relocation Director for Midwest Properties of Michigan, she has taken on a leadership role with her company.  She is often recognized throughout the district by her name which has appeared on many residential ”For Sale” signs in the region for the last decade .  She admits that having a last name that sounds a lot like a famous Chicago Bear’s football player certainly has helped people recognize it!

Jeanine has been the liason for her company to multiple community organizations.  She holds the company’s membership in the Grand Rapids Econ. Club, The GR Chamber of Commerce, Local First, ERC (Employee Relocation Counsel), and a number of networking groups.  She holds professional educational designations to include GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) SFR (Short-sale and Foreclosure Resource) and E-Pro (designation acquired by completing a technology marketing course of study).  You may visit her business web site at www.HerlacherHouse.com to see her profile as well as many references from past clients.

Before real estate, Jeanine was an Interior Designer for 16 years.  A commission-only career, she was successful because of her ability to listen, to work hard for long hours, and her ability to stick to long-term projects while coordinating efforts of multiple vendors, craftsmen, fabricators, installers, and manufacturers.  She won multiple awards for productivity.

Jeanine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University. Based in Midland, Michigan, Northwood University is a conservative, entrepreneurial and
free-enterprise focused school that teaches leadership.  The DeVos family was instrumental in developing Northwood University’s MBA program. Jeanine graduated with honors.  Her final exit paper was highly admired by administrators when she created a unique thesis on US economic history related to the economic phenomenon which was understood by Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.  Jeanine believed that they had discovered and understood that Government intervention is the WORST way to repair a broken economy and that free markets and free enterprise are an essential component for recovery.

She holds an Associate degree in Interior Design Technology from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas where she and Rick lived while he worked as the Sr. Industrial Engineer at the Corporate Headquarters of Payless Shoe Source.

Jeanine has been accepted into the Master’s Degree program at GVSU for Adult Education.

On the personal side …

Jeanine and Rick celebrated their 26th anniversary last fall.  Their family reside in Colorado.  Rick and Jeanine have called Rockford “home” since 1999.  Jeanine tells that, unlike many who say they have been one place their whole lives and that implies that they understand the area better than others, she has lived MANY places and has chosen this place as home because she knows that this truly IS the best place to call “Home”!  Rick is the Engineering/Consultanting Manager of Dematic Corporation.

When they were first married, Rick volunteered his service in the Air Force and they lived in Germany for 5 years.  They experienced terrorism first-hand, being on the Rhein Main Air Base when it was bombed.  Jeanine says that when you are an American abroad, you really learn what it means to love your country!  ”When you live outside of the every-day comfort of simply walking down an American street … you cherrish every American you meet!  You can never forget that we are ALL Americans who love this country … even though we may not all agree on every way to make things better.  In the end, we all love this blessed land!”

Jeanine C. Herlacher

7189 Black Forest Dr NE

Rockford, MI 49341

Campaign Committee:  Friends to elect Herlacher to the House.

Web site:  www.PutHerlacherInTheHouse.com

616-498-3679

Print This Story Print This Story

Tags:

Rockford OM teams sweep top 10 spots at world competition

June 10, 2010 · Filed Under Education, Uncategorized · Comment 

Six Rockford Odyssey of the Mind teams participated in the world finals competition held at Michigan State University in East Lansing from May 26 to 29. Rockford has been involved in Odyssey of the Mind for 22 years and, for the first time, all teams competing at the world level placed in the top 10. Teams competing and their placements are as follows:

• Cannonsburg Elementary: second place

• North Rockford Middle School: second place

• Roguewood Elementary: fourth place (honorable mention)

• Rockford High School: fifth place (honorable mention)

• Parkside Elementary: seventh place

• North Rockford Middle School:

10th place.

Print This Story Print This Story

Tags: , , , , ,

Rockford girls varsity, JV tennis teams share winning season

June 10, 2010 · Filed Under Uncategorized · Comment 

Wanted: Rockford girls with the desire to play tennis. More opportunities than ever are available in Rockford to play tennis. With seven seniors leaving the varsity squad, Head Coach Tom Huizing will be looking at the JV-A and JV-B teams to fill these positions next spring. Practice and more practice during the summer and winter months are encouraged. If you are interested in going out for the junior varsity teams, watch the schedule in the spring and come prepared to show your skills you learned during the off season.

Varsity finalists smile with Ram pride after an amazing season. Pictured are (l–r) Lauren Korlewitz, Lindsay Gauger, Jenelle Miller, Alex Stembaugh, JV Head Coach Val Wallace, MJ Bothma, Heather Williams, Julie Daukss, Katie Rachon, Tara Murray, Varsity Head Coach Tom Huizing, Mackenzie Young, Megan Zawacki, and (front) Nicole Strobel.

Younger players are encouraged to keep honing their skills, take lessons if possible and keep playing! Come to the home games in the spring and introduce yourself to the coaches. Let them know who you are and ask their advice. Rockford is fortunate to have JV-B Coach Matt Drolett providing additional opportunities for all new players, as well.

Coach Huizing, JV-A Coach Val Wallace and Coach Drolett have a winning program and are gaining momentum. The JV team went undefeated for the second year in a row, and for the third year in a row the varsity team has qualified for state finals. The squad posted their best state performance so far, earning six points at the event held in Midland. All four singles players—Lauren Korlewitz, MJ Bothma, Alex Stembaugh and Jenelle Miller—along with number four doubles Megan Zawacki and Julie Daukss won their first-round flights. Senior Katie Rachon became the first Lady Ram to play in the state tennis finals three years in a row.

The Rams, along with Hudsonville and West Ottawa, showed great West Michigan comradery as they cheered each other on.

Print This Story Print This Story

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

VIEW PREVIOUS NEWS »