THE NEW WAY—In older treatment plants, wastewater sits for a long time so solid parts sink. Chlorine is used to kill bacteria and another chemical removes chlorine. In the new North Kent Sewer Authority treatment plant, ultraviolet lights are used to mutate bacteria so it cannot reproduce. See how the process works at an open house on Friday, June 5 at 5 p.m. at 4775 Coit NE, Grand Rapids.

It was nearly a decade in coming and is one of only a few of its kind in the United States. Residents of the City of Rockford and townships of Alpine, Cannon, Courtland and Plainfield have a vested interest in the North Kent Sewer Authority treatment plant at 4775 Coit NE, Grand Rapids. On Friday, June 5 at 5 p.m. come see the facility in action.

The authority, comprised of the municipalities listed above, planned the $50 million plant almost ten years ago as a joint venture when they believed they were facing an unfair contract with their previous treatment provider.

IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN-The weather vane at the North Kent Sewer Authority treatment plant is a flying pig.

The 40-year contract was set to expire November of 2008, and the City of Rockford and townships were expected to sign a new contract without even any idea of what the costs would be-except that they were going up. When they threatened to join forces and possibly build and run their own treatment plant, they were told it would happen when pigs fly.

That day came October 28, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. when the plant began processing the wastewater for the member communities.

It has it saved over ten million dollars from what the five members’ taxpayers would have been charged with the previous treatment provider. In addition, the new plant has taken 4.3 million gallons a day from a system that was old, leaking, and regularly discharged untreated waste into the Grand River. Now the discharge the plant puts out is cleaner than the waters of the Grand River-all from a natural, Earth-friendly (and odorless) process.

For the first time the public is invited into the normally fenced and locked facility to see the process at work first hand. It is a government success story that shows how leadership in local government can be creative, bold and stand up for taxpayers in seemingly unfair situations.

Visitors to the public open house will be able to visit the four buildings of the plant and see the holding tanks-the equivalent of five Olympic-sized swimming pools.

According to Authority Board Chairman Michael Young, the plant is running incredibly well and came in under budget at $47 million.

The treatment plant uses membrane bio reactor technology that is state-of-the art facility that has had inquiries for tours and information from New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere around the world.

According to Young, the plan was met with scepticism and disregard by the former treatment providers, and also by some of the future members. It seemed like too big a project, too ambitious a plan, for five little governmental entities to pull off. “Everyone said we were crazy and out of control. We probably were a little bit crazy,” he said.

The plant currently treats over four million gallons of wastewater every day and is designed to treat up to eight million before being upgraded. It is estimated that the upgrade will not be required for at least 30 years, and after that the facility can be doubled in capacity on-site. “This plant is built for the future,” Young said.

The open house was originally planned for last fall, but was postponed due to weather. Visitors can get to the plant by crossing the Jupiter Bridge and turning right on Coit Avenue. The facility is on the right hand side of the road past Hunsberger Avenue.

STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM—Visitors will enjoy the friendly atmosphere and fresh variety the Rockford Farm Market offers during summer months.

by Cliff and Nancy Hill

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture – if every Michigan family would buy just $10 a week of local Michigan fruits and vegetables, it would keep $37 million new dollars each week working for you right here at home.

For the past eight years Rockford has been way ahead of the curve by its overwhelming acceptance of the Rockford City sponsored Farm Market. 

About to enter its 9th season, the Rockford Farm Market returns this Saturday, June 6, and continues
every Saturday thereafter until October 31, 2009.   

From the Market’s inception in 2001, Rockford City Community Development Director Jody Greco has assembled an eclectic mix of vendors who compliment one another and the Market during its five-month run.  The Market is anchored by a core of vendors who fell in love with the Rockford Market that first year.  Returning every year thereafter, each vendor has built a strong local following that can’t wait for their favorites to return. 

All of last year’s vendors are back this year along with George Miller of the popular “Miller’s Cave,” a vendor of marinated mushrooms (secret recipe), who was missed last season.  Not wanting to spoil a good thing by creating an unmanageable larger market, Greco tells us that the hard part of her job every year is turning away new applicants.  Greco has been graciously referring those applicants to last year’s newly formed Plainfield Market and an about to be formed farm market in Walker. 

Personally, we are looking forward to the return of Great Harvest Bread Company and their deliciously decadent cinnamon bread and the first of the season homegrown tomatoes that were planted in January, then grown and ripened in Deimer’s Winter Gardens greenhouses.  We also won’t forget fresh Michigan hand-snapped asparagus from TerAvest Farm and, of course, a bouquet of fresh cut flowers from Casey Lemieux at The Flower Garden stall. 

The Market is more than just a cornucopia of locally grown fruits and vegetables, organic produce, homemade pastries and breads, cheese, eggs, fresh jerky, honey, floral planter arrangements and nursery and greenhouse stock.  In Rockford the Market is a social phenomenon and has been since day one.  That is what Jody Greco must have had in mind when she told us that, “We (the City) had no altruistic reason behind doing the Farm Market – we do it for the townspeople and the social and goodwill aspects of the event.”   

Rockford is known for its community pride and warmth and a trip to the Saturday Market in downtown Rockford reinforces those attributes.  Weekly, with a cup of coffee in hand from their favorite local coffeehouse, Market lovers from near and far head to the South Squires Street parking lot venue.  There, after a West Michigan winter that never seems to end, they enjoy one another’s company and renew old acquaintances while partaking of and in the bounty the Market has to offer.    

As in past years, the Rockford Lions have volunteered to oversee and act as “Market Masters.” They will operate out of a newly placed 10′x10′ mini-barn in the center of the Market where, for the first time, they will be vending freshly popped popcorn (from a real popcorn machine) to augment the funding of Lion service projects.

In previous years the Market was moved from the South Squires Street parking lot to the City Hall parking lot to make way for the annual carnival that each year is part of the Start of Summer Celebration.  Instead, this year, the Market will relocate to the highly visible parking lot on Main Street where the former Northland Buick/ Pontiac/GMC dealership stood.  Mark your calendar; this move will take place only on Saturday, June 13.   

Greco also reminds us that each week one stall is made available to charitable non-profit groups.  For further information contact Jody Greco at City Hall (866-1537).    

If you have never attended the Rockford Farm Market you have no idea what you are missing. It is located in the South Squires Street parking lot (just south of The Peppermill Grill and The Reading Railroad between the White Pine Trail and the Chase Bank on Main Street) and is open for business every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Just follow the crowd.

BLUES ON THE RIVER—It’s free, it’s fantastic. The Huntington Rogue River Blues concert series begins Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m.

Bring blankets or beach towels, chairs or just hang out on the grass Tuesdays in downtown Rockford. The Huntington Bank Rogue River Blues series begins this Tuesday, June 9.

The free concerts take place at Garden Club Park near the dam on the banks of the Rogue River and run from 7 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday through August 11.

In its seventh year this season, the concerts draw thousands and have been popular since song one.

Paul Chimienti, office manager of the Rockford Huntington Bank, said his business was looking for something wonderful to sponsor in the Rockford community. They chose the Blues concerts because they are enjoyed by so many.

“There are many wonderful events in Rockford. We chose this because it is good for everyone, the City, the merchants because so many people come to downtown for it and the public loves it,” he said.

In addition to great free blues music by live, professional bands, the concerts have giveaways such as t-shirts, balloons and more.

“We did this as a commitment to be a community business and it’s a winner,” said Chimienti. “The people who enjoy it are all ages, from four to 84 or more. It’s in a beautiful setting, it’s family-friendly and it’s safe. There are never any incidents.”

The series starts with favorite The Weezil Malone Band. Other popular bands scheduled by organizer Steve Jazwiec, who began the series and is known for his “Blues Brothers” look, are Root Doctor, James Reeser and the Backseat Drivers, Harper, the Steve Hilger Blues Band and more.

This is an Rockford Arts Commission event, one of many musical events that are free and for public enjoyment.

Photo by Karen Salyer.

Township officials appreciate the opportunity for the public to admire a nesting pair of American bald eagles in our midst (Squire article in May 22 issue), but warn that visitors must obey no parking signs or they will be ticketed or banned from looking altogether. After the Squire published the location of the nest on 12 Mile Road in Oakfield Township, Supervisor Greg Dean said hundreds have visited to admire the birds, but unfortunately are not honoring the no parking signs at the site.

Photo by Sheryl Tisdel.

Dean said 30 to 40 people at a time have been on the location and have caused traffic hazards as well as damage to the embankment. Six no parking signs have been posted and to either the east or west of the signs there is more shoulder and safe parking. Kent County Sheriffs who see drivers parked between the signs will issue traffic tickets and if the public still chooses to park illegally while enjoying the eagles, Dean may issue a no parking, no standing order. If this happens no one will be able to enjoy this breathtaking experience. “We hope the public will cooperate,” Dean said. “I went out and spent a few hours watching them and taking pictures, but we can’t have a safety issue.”

Dean said eagles usually use a nest for four or five years before it begins to deteriorate. Our community can enjoy this sight for several more years if people park safely, or miss out on this opportunity by choosing to ignore posted signs and imperil themselves and other drivers. 

Many thanks to our readers who have sent pictures in to share with those of us who can’t make it out to see the eagles and nest.

A FOND FAREWELL—The library staff wore black to show they were in mourning of Pat Rosloniec’s (second from right) departure.

The staff at the Krause Memorial Library all wore black in honor of Patricia Rosloniec’s last day on Friday, May 15. Pat has worked at the KDL library for 11 years, part of which has been as the circulation manager. Rosloniec has transferred to the Cascade library branch where she will manage their circulation.

Photos by Judy Reed.

by JUDY REED

The old Swedish Baptist church was remembered Monday, when Algoma Township, in conjunction with the Algoma Township Historical Society, dedicated a memorial park where the church once stood.

The park, located on Grange Avenue, south of 13 Mile, is at the Algoma Township Cemetery, across from the current Algoma Baptist Church. The bell from the old church is part of the monument that was erected there this last week.

“We didn’t want to lose the history of the church,” Julie Sjogren, president of the Algoma Historical Society told the Cedar Springs Post recently.

The Swedish Baptist church was organized in 1903 and first met in a house in Sparta. In 1910, it moved to Algoma Township, on Grange, and held services in the church building owned by the United Brethren church. The name was later changed to Algoma Baptist.

In 1968, they purchased 20 acres across the street and built the existing building. In 1999, the old church building and property was donated to Algoma Township with hopes it could be restored, but it was too costly to renovate. So Algoma decided to create a park, memorializing the church and veterans at the same time.

The street side of the seven-foot monument memorializes the church with the bell, and the veteran brick courtyard side of the monument memorializes veterans, living or deceased.

On Monday, Memorial Day, the park was dedicated, with Rep. Tom Pearce on hand for the unveiling. Clerk Judy Bigney gave a history of the park, Sjogren recognized the donors, and Carl Lambert Friske shared words about the old church.

After the dedication, the township held memorial services there, and with representation from the C.E. Schumacher Rockford Memorial Post #3946; Boy Scout Troop #304, and 3^rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Co. F-Civil War. Guests of Honor included WWII POWs Russell Powell and Harold “Hap” Teesdale.

TOP OF THE WORLD—The North Rockford Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team took second place in their division, topped by a Singapore team by five points.

Teams have returned from their trek to Iowa May 27-30, 2009. Making the trip with the five Rockford representative teams, were 850 other teams, from the United States, and over 13 countries.

Rockford placed the highest of the Michigan teams, bringing home a trophy and silver medals for their second place finish, topped by Singapore by only five points.

The team members from North Rockford Middle School are Michaela Behrens, Katie Hollstein, Christopher Lemoine, Daniel Nauta, Mark Veitengruber, Anaiah Zainea, Sarah Jamgotch, with coaches Becky Behrens, Karla Lemoine.

Valley View Elementary also placed in the top ten, taking the honorable mention status, with a new team of third grade students, placing sixth at the World Finals are: Chase Lindeboom, Ethan Kolderman, Katie Lawton, Megan Lindeboom, Paige Thompson, Avery Sweeney, Natalie Clum with coaches Joan Lawton, Angela Clum.

Other Rockford teams placed in the top 15 for each of their problem solutions.

In 13th place are Valley View Elementary School students Makayla Schmetzer, Logan Anderson, Grant Hoffman, Ben Johnson, Calvin Garvey, Corinne Giersh, Giselle Goad- Sharon with coaches Anderson, Kelly Hoffman.

In 15th place are Rockford High School students Sammi Cook, Merry Buelken, Shannon Melick, Matt Rettinger, Matt Nauta, Brian Talsma, Evanne Zainea with coaches Matt Zainea, Lesley Zainea, Phoebe Borst.
In12th place are Crestwood Elementary School students Blake McWatters, Noah Barclay, Olivier Larente , Jessica Gerkey , Joey Benda , Courtney Lemoine Paige Barnard , with coaches Marianne McWatters, Jan Barclay, Karla Lemoine.

6th     Sandi Franklin

           Gordon Steinke

7th    Lois Knoor

8th     Pete Brucki

            Bill Cutler

            Mark A. Mackie

            Caroline Rowley

            J. TenHave-Chapman

            L. TenHave-Chapman

9th     Madison Kunkle

            Collin P. Mackie

            Peter Schluckebier

10th   Joanne Case

            Phyllis Klomparens

            Tom Laage

11th    Rachel Furman

            Mike Mawby

            Thelma Vis

12th   Jordan Orr

Roger Allen, publisher.

by Roger Allen, publisher

This is the Twilight Zone

The Dow rose 221 points on Monday, the day General Motors filed for bankruptcy. In fact, stock markets all over the world went up.

On Tuesday, GM’s new CEO, Fritz Henderson, gave a news conference in which he apologized for any shoddy products produced in the past. He promised better from the reorganized company.

He also announced that GM had just sold its Hummer division. Oh, darn, I wanted to buy that one myself. Hummers are BIG.

We taxpayers gave GM billions of dollars and all we get is a share of the uncertainty, although on Tuesday CFO Ray Young said, in an interview, that he hoped to pay back the money. He optimistically foresees the new GM becoming profitable in 2 or 3 years.

Hope he’s right. Hope the financial industry we bailed out does well, too. We need the money. Last year the total wealth of all U.S. households declined by $11,200,000,000,000.

In the old days, if you worked hard and smart you could get rich. If you screwed up badly, you lost everything. Personally, I liked that system better.

Good news

The seventh grade seems to be full of poets. Aaron Rose sent me one and I reprint part of it:

SPRING

Spring is the season of

Not quite winter

Not quite summer

And not a lot of school left.

There was more, but this is the part that spoke to me.

My mother said . . .

  1.  My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL  
       DONE. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside.
       I just finished cleaning.”

 2. My mother taught me RELIGION. “You better pray   
      that will come out of the carpet.”

 3.  My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL. “If you 
      don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the 
      middle of next week!”

 4. My mother taught me LOGIC. “Because I said so,  
      that’s why.”

  5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC. “If you fall out
      of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going 
      to the store with me.”

 6.  My mother taught me FORESIGHT. “Make sure you
       wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident.”

 7. My mother taught me IRONY. “Keep crying and I’ll
      give you something to cry about.”

  8. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM. “Will  
       you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

 9. My mother taught me about STAMINA. “You’ll sit 
      there until all that spinach is gone.”

10. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
      ”Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”