The mission of the Rockford Education Foundation (REF) is to promote excellence in education for people of all ages in the Rockford community. Toward that end the REF annually sponsors an eagerly awaited and excellent benefit performance usually held in the acoustically correct and comfortable confines of the Rockford High School Fine Arts Auditorium.

Every year REF Administrator Sue Arend and a committee of REF trustees agree upon and book the finest available performing artist(s) to headline the annual concert. Over the years the selections have been an eclectic mix chosen to appeal to the diverse tastes of the Rockford area.

Last Saturday evening the REF was proud to present the multi-talented singer/songwriter and recording artist, Brian Vander Ark. Vander Ark is a native of West Michigan who currently resides in East Grand Rapids with his wife and three-year-old daughter, Evie. Wife, Lux Land, is an accomplished singer/songwriter in her own right.

In the late 90′s and early 2000′s Vander Ark was the principal songwriter and frontman for the Verve Pipe, a band that has sold over three million albums worldwide. In 1997 he wrote and, along with the band, recorded the hit single The Freshmen. His gift as a songwriter has resulted in a collection of original songs of a storyteller relating life experiences that he as well as his listeners, have lived. His melodies and rhythms are unique, intensely personal, and riveting.

Leading off the evening’s concert was Vander Ark’s beautiful and talented wife, recording artist Lux Land, who warmed the crowd up singing a collection of her own penned songs.

What followed was a performance by Brian Vander Ark that resulted in a standing ovation at its close. Vander Ark had brought in a group of accomplished musicians from Texas to back him up for the evening. The group, which remained nameless, was composed of Richard Hewett on drums, Dylan Sneed on guitar, Bryan Frink on bass, and featured Kristy Kruger on keyboard and pedal steel guitar, while at times providing vocal accompaniment.

For the better part of two hours Vander Ark and the band performed a selection of his songs that explored themes of life and family along with love and loss. Crowd favorites included Monday Morning Girl, I Went With The Road, Someone Like You, and 1229 Sheffield. He attempted to close the evening by performing his signature song The Freshmen.

The audience clamored for more with their applause and Vander Ark and the band returned to the stage for an encore. Vander Ark then asked his backup vocalist and keyboardist Kristy Kruger to perform one of her own songs. Kruger introduced the song by telling the audience that she had written the song to honor the memory of her brother, Texan soldier Lt. Col. Eric Kruger, who as an Army Brigade Commander in command of 3,700 men was killed last November (on his third tour of duty) in the Middle East by a roadside bomb on only his second day in Baghdad. She went on to say she had made a personal vow to perform in her brother’s name in every state of the union. “He died in the name of his country, so I’d like him to be remembered in every state in this country,” she said. Needless to say, she had the audience’s complete attention as with a beautiful and emotional voice she sang her song, My Brother, My Friend.

Vander Ark and the band then closed the evening by performing a protracted and entirely rousing version of Little Man. From our seat high in the balcony, it appeared that everyone in attendance got their monies worth and the large crowd in the lobby attempting to purchase CD’s after the show confirmed our opinion.

Here’s a little sidebar to the evening. During the performance we heard from Kristy Kruger that she and the rest of the band had their breath taken away by two things. First was the frigid West Michigan weather and the second was the great food served backstage to the band and crew. It seems that, rather than the usually provided catered food, REF Trustees Mary Polonowski and Cathy Newberg had personally prepared from scratch a deliciously hot home-cooked meal. Is there a band in the country that has ever been treated so royally? That’s Rockford for you.

Sue Arend extends the REF’s appreciation to Herman’s Boy and Reds on the River. Herman’s Boy provided the very rare and expensive Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee in the lobby before and after the show. Donations of any size were appreciated. Reds on the River will donate ten percent of food sales when guests present Vander Ark ticket stubs while dining at Reds until the end of February. All proceeds from both will go to the REF.

The 13th Annual REF Benefit Concert was generously underwritten by Wolverine World Wide Foundation and United Bank.

The presentation included dates and names going back to as far as 1693, but also philosophical thoughts. There was no television in pioneer days and families often consisted of 12 or 13 children. Is there any cause and effect to those two facts? Berry’s research also showed that marriages often took place between relatively close neighbors, most likely a result of less opportunity to travel and meet spouses from farther away.

Berry’s narration traveled the course of generations, listing homes that still exist as well as towns which no longer do. It included discussion of names and their interesting origins. His family tree boasts a Thankful Shears, mother of Shears Berry who fought in the Revolutionary Army. Names like Thankful and Blessing expressed settlers’ gratitude at finally arriving at their new home after a grueling trip.

Also discussed was the Ammerman family, traced back to 1784 and settling in Rockford in 1900. Barb Stevens (nee Ammerman) remembers her childhood in the now red farm house at 275 W. Division (Ten Mile Road) west of Rockford on the north side of the road. The home is over 100 years old and used to be white. It also had a huge red barn, now gone.

Her favorite memories of the farm include picking up dropped apples, which were pressed into cider and kept all winter long. In 1963 her grandfather died and one acre of farm with the house on it was sold. The other 79 acres was sold to a developer. It is now the Highlands.

She recalled how vibrant Rockford was in the ’50s, with a much greater diversity of stores than today.

Gene Berry said his first memory is of a team of horses pulling the wire to provide electricity to his home in 1937. He was one year old.

The Historical Society is always looking for new members to help keep the town’s past from being forgotten. Museum Director Pat Frye is currently seeking photos from before 1950 for a history book that is planned. The museum has no winter hours except by appointment. Call (616) 866-2235.

The Rockford Historical Society meets Thursday, February 5, at 1 p.m. at the Community Cabin, 221 Monroe Street. Pete Kruer, owner of Rockford Hardware is the speaker and will talk about the history of one of the oldest businesses in the area. Hostesses are Jo Case and Madge Bolt.

Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

From a property tax standpoint, our preliminary numbers would indicate that the City could lose approximately $105,000 in property tax revenue. There are many variables that go into this analysis such as the timing for the potential redevelopment of WWW’s downtown campus. The impact on property taxes cannot be fully determined until we have a detailed schedule identifying the time frame for demolition of the existing buildings on site. I believe that the negative impact on property taxes will be temporary and ultimately we will see complete redevelopment of the tannery property and adjoining facilities into an extension of our downtown business district.

I will continue to keep our residents and business owners apprised of the latest developments through periodic postings on our web page and through my blog. Of course, if any one has questions regarding the impact on our community as a result of the tannery closing, please do not hesitate to contact me at City Hall or via e-mail at myoung@rockford.mi.us.

Membership is open to musicians who have previous experience on any band instrument (a minimum of high school playing level is recommended). If you are interested in joining the concert band contact Tiffany at tje4@calvin.edu.

Orchestra – The Rockford Chamber Orchestra meets on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. in the choir room at North Rockford Middle school. Violin, viola, cello and bass players are welcome to come join them. Members come from all walks of life and represent many generations. All kinds of music is played and they join sometimes with the band to create a symphony orchestra option at each concert. Char Lothian, of Greenville and a former orchestra teacher in that school district is the talented conductor. She also is a talented cellist. If interested call Char at 616-754-6602. Rehearsals begin on Monday, February 2.

Choir – For those of you who love to vocalize, our Community Choir has started rehearsals on Thursdays at North Rockford Middle School in the choir room from 7 to 9 p.m. All ages and abilities are invited to join the choir. Kayle Clements, talented jazz musician, plus composer of choral music, is the conductor. Clements commented, “Our focus is not only on learning and performing music but also on having enjoyable rehearsals – and building friendships”

All these groups plus many other activities are sponsored by the Rockford Area Arts Commission.

Today Hoek is joined by pastry chefs Sara Soukup and Amanda Hoffman and assistant pastry chefs Patricia Bruin and Rachel Wahl. “I love my staff!” Hoek stated. Patricia is Hoek’s sister and brings 25 years experience working as a floral designer. “She has been my right hand from the start and is very creative,” Hoek said. She is talented in the placement of fresh flowers for a stunning look on cakes in addition to helping with production.

Soukup joined the team in April 2007. Also a graduate of the Bakery/Pastry Program at GRCC. Soukup additionally has a bachelor of science degree in hospitality management.

Bruin is a graduate of Calvin College with a bachelor of arts degree. Her greatest talent is in sculpting edible custom designs. “Her sculpting is amazing,” Hoek praised.

Hoffman is a GRCC graduate with an associates degree in culinary arts and culinary management. She has a certificate of bakery/pastry arts and is responsible for much of the production at Sweet Cakes Design. “She brings a lot of new ideas to the table and loves decorating,” Hoek noted.

The growth of the company over the years has been an enjoyable journey. The ability to offer nearly any kind of cake or pie filling to please customers is satisfying. Seeing the excitement in customer’s eyes is a wonderful reward. At Sweet Cakes, the staff helps advise event planners and offer tasting to those who aren’t sure what to order.

“All our products are made from scratch using only the finest ingredients,” Hoek said of the cake boutique’s success. “We sketch one-of-a-kind designs for our clients until we get the look they are hoping for.”

Sweet Cakes ‘brings on the pies’ for the holidays, and offers seasonal specials and desserts throughout the year. Valentine special treats are being planned and ordered now. With personalized service, unique designs and a delicious, high-quality product, Sweet Cakes can be the special touch to top off the next occasion you have planned. Products are all custom-ordered, so plan ahead rather than expect to walk in and find a selection of ready-made product. The cake boutique is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information visit in person or online at sweetcakedesignllc.com or email sweetcakedesignllc@gmail.com.

Pets need more than just a fur coat to keep warm and safe in winter. Cold weather has safety and health concerns for both people and pets. As a responsible owner, it is important to pay attention to your pet’s well-being during the cold Michigan winter. The American Kennel Club® and I, offer the following advice to help you and your pet survive the long, cold winter.

• Provide plenty of fresh water – Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer, and snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
• Provide plenty of food – Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperatures regulated, so additional calories are necessary. Dogs that are kept indoors with the family, and get less exercise during winter months, may actually gain weight, so keep an eye on his diet.
• Keep your dog’s paws dry – Rinse your dog’s feet and dry them completely after a walk. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.
• Groom your dog regularly – Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Towel or blow-dry your dog if he gets wet from rain or snow. When you towel your pet be sure to blot, not rub, as that can lead to severe matting. Comb out your pet more often in the winter to keep the skin healthy.
• Keep your dog warm, dry, and away from drafts – Adequate shelter is a necessity. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold. Place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
• Watch out for the following winter hazards:
• Cold – Don’t leave your dog outside for long periods of time. Wind/chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings, and dogs are susceptible to frostbite on their ears, tails, and feet.
• Ice and snow – Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog outside. Your pup could slip or jump in a frozen lake, river, or pond and get seriously injured. Snow can muffle scents, and your dog can easily get lost.
• Carbon Monoxide – Don’t leave your dog alone in a car. It gets too cold, and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.
• Antifreeze – Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, antifreeze is highly poisonous and can be lethal.
• When you think of the phrase “cold nose warm heart”, consider that pets regulate temperature with their noses and pads of their feet, so if you see your fur friend hopping from foot to foot it is time to come in and warm up on your lap.

Enjoy winter safely with your best fur friend.

Sam is a dedicated pet care pawfectionist who lectures to schools and scout troops. She is a guest lecturer at the Pet Pro Classic in Dallas, the Atlanta Pet Fair and the All American Grooming Show in Chicago. She can be reached at: sam@hylerluv.com or 874-DOGS (3647).

Brittany used to come to Rockford every summer when she was younger, but before this trip, it had been about six years since she last visited. Brittany and her grandmother drove through downtown Rockford several times and stopped at her favorite coffee shop, Frenz, quite a few times as well.

The weather here was very different than what Brittany is used to in California. Being a California girl, she doesn’t see much snow, and hardly ever gets to go sledding! ? On her last day here, she took her mom’s old plastic sled and went down the small hill in her grandmothers’s front yard a few times. She loved ?it, and her grandma got a few good pictures of her enjoying herself.

The Humane Society hopes potential adopters will fall in love with a pet companion in anticipation of this Valentine’s Day. The Humane Society of Kent County has dozens of pets waiting to find their way into new, loving homes.

The Humane Society is located at 3077 Wilson N.W. Grand Rapids. For more information call (616) 791-8089.

Lego/K*Nex Challenge - Build a design with Lego or K*Nex pieces and display in at Krause Memorial Library. All participants will receive certificates. All ages welcome. Designs accepted from January 1 through February 28 at the library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. For more information, call (616) 647-3940 or visit www.kdl.org.

“Rain” at DeVos Hall - $50 per guest (includes bus fee); lunch at Applebees (on your own). For reservations and bus pick-up times/locations, call Marcia at (616) 863-6322.

Mended Hearts Meeting - 7 p.m. at Spectrum Health Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, in Room 8815 on the eighth floor. Mended Hearts, a volunteer nonprofit support group affiliated with the American Heart Association, offers hope, information and encouragement to heart patients, families and caregivers through those who have experienced heart disease. For more information, contact Jim Oldfield at (616) 891-9395.

Country Music - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.

CHADD’s Adults with AD/HD Group Meeting - 7 to 9 p.m. at Calvin College, Meeter Center Lecture Hall. Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D., author and associate director of the Yale Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders, will present “The Unrecognized Role of Emotions and AD/HD.” No cost or pre-registration required. All welcome. For more information, call Linda Brauer at (616) 874-5662.

Business Counseling - Starting a new business or have questions about your existing business? The Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) would like to help. SCORE is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is dedicated to helping the small-business community through no-fee mentoring, business counseling and low-cost workshops. A SCORE counselor will be at the Chamber starting at 9 a.m. Please call the Chamber at (616) 866-2000, Mon. – Fri. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to schedule an appointment.

Bingo! - 1 to 3 p.m. at Rockford Ambulance Community Room, corner of Ten Mile Road and Shaner Ave., Rockford. Four cards for $1. Refreshments served. For more information, call Marcia at (616) 863-6322.

Rogue River Artists Association Open House - 7 to 9 p.m. at Frenz Coffee House, 10 E. Bridge St., Suite 100, Rockford. The association’s artwork will be on display and for sale at Frenz Feb. 2 – 28. For more information, contact Lila Harmon at (616) 866-0523 or by e-mail at dlaharmon@prodigy.net. Rogue River Artists Association meetings are held the first Monday of every month at D&W-Rockford, community room at 6:30 p.m.

Stewardship Network Event - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hager Park. Cost is $10/$15. Those interested in helping to restore a preserve, have a few acres to restore, or just want to get outside and explore should take this opportunity to ask questions and connect with others who care about the land. Join David Mindell to learn how to set up a management plan that meets the needs of your organization and your property. Find out what a small group of people can accomplish in just a few hours. For more information, call the Land Conservancy of West Michigan at (616) 451-9476.

Breakfast - 8 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post #102, 330 Rockford Park Drive, between 11 Mile and 12 Mile roads on Northland Dr.). Cost is $6 for 8-year-olds to adults, $3 for children ages 4 to 8, and free for children under age 4. Breakfast includes eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, coffee and juice. Bring family, friends and neighbors!

Lipizzaner Stallions Trip - 2 p.m. at VanAndel Arena, Grand Rapids. Cost is $25 per person. We will stop for dinner at the Rio Grand (on your own) on the way home. For reservations and pus pick-up times/locations, call Marcia at (616) 863-6322.

American Sewing Guild Meeting - 6:30 p.m. at Plainfield Senior Center, 5255 Grand River Dr., Grand Rapids. This month: a trunk show, “Getting Personal: Looking into a Designer’s Closet.” Cost is $2 for non-members or $1 for members. Refreshments will be served; Sew & Show presented. For more information, call Mary at (616) 698-9554 or Barb at (616) 949-6669, or visit www.grasg.org.

Country Music - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.

Rockford Bicentennial Chapter of ABWA Reunion - 6 p.m. at Boulder Creek, 5750 Brewer Ave., Belmont. For a reservation or more information, please call Lucy Sawinski at (616) 866-8416.

Rockford Lions Club Meeting - 6 p.m. at the Rockford Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St. Sue Arends, trustee/administrator of Rockford Education Foundation, will be the speaker.

Free Income Tax Preparation for Seniors - 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Rockford Ambulance Center, board room, corner of 10 Mile Rd. and Shaner Ave. Tom Bland, of Senior Neighbors, will take half-hour appointments. To schedule an appointment, please call Melisa at (616) 233-0747.

Elvis Show - 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at the American Legion Post 102 in Rockford, presented by the Auxiliary. There will be a Prime Rib dinner available in the lounge before the show, and karaoke afterward. Tickets are $5; open to the public.

Free Food for Needy Families - 5 p.m. in the Mobile Food Pantry at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 6070 Kuttshill Drive (corner of Northland Drive and Rogue River Rd.; entrance on Kuttshill), Rockford, providing free food for needy families in the North Kent community. For more information, contact the church at (616) 866-1556.

Country Music – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.

Country Music - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.

All Kids Sale - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion Post 102, banquet hall, hosted by the Auxiliary. Clothes, toys, furniture and more will be for sale; plenty of bargains!

Mended Hearts Meeting - 7 p.m. at Spectrum Health Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, in Room 8815 on the eighth floor. Mended Hearts, a volunteer nonprofit support group affiliated with the American Heart Association, offers hope, information and encouragement to heart patients, families and caregivers through those who have experienced heart disease. For more information, contact Jim Oldfield at (616) 891-9395.

Country Music - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.