Fourth-graders in Luanne Helsen’s class at Valley View Elementary School are supporting their classmate Claire Kowroski, who has cancer. The students wore t-shirts at the school’s mini-relay event that was raising money for Rockford’s Relay for Life. Many of the students and staff who are supportive of Claire are planning to wear the t-shirts at Rockford’s Relay event as well. Students walked and ran for 24 minutes, which represents one minute per each hour of Rockford’s Relay for Life, to raise money. More than $6,000 was raised with the majority coming from pledges for the mini-relay. Photo by CINDY M. CRANMER

This article is a summary of what each school in Rockford Public Schools has come up with to contribute to the Rockford Relay for Life. Encouraging each school to organize their own fundraiser has been a goal of Relay organizers from year one. This Friday through Saturday, May 18-19, from 3 p.m. to 3 p.m. is the town’s 10th Relay for Life event.

Rockford plans to celebrate a decade of having a Relay for Life event to raise money to fight cancer this weekend, and a key segment involved is the Rockford school district.

According to Shannon Ouellette—who served as committee chair for the first nine years and currently is on the committee as well as the City of Rockford and Rockford Public Schools (RPS) liaison—the school district raises between $60,000 and $80,000 of the total raised yearly.

The goal of the Relay for Life this year is to again raise between $340,000 and $360,000.

Second-grader Kyle Weston and third-grader Callen Doyle are the winners of Nooks at Valley View Elementary School for being the top two students raising money at a mini-relay event for Rockford’s Relay for Life. Kyle raised $500 and Callen raised $510 in pledges. Both students are still hoping to raise more money before this weekend’s Relay for Life event. Photo by CINDY M. CRANMER

“Our financial goal in these economic times is to stay consistent with monies raised the past few years,” Ouellette said. “Most relays will peak at year five or so and then show a decline. We have been able to maintain consistently in the mid threes, so we are happy with that.”

“In the past nine years we have raised nearly 2.9 million so we will top the three million mark this year,” she added.

Ouellette was on the committee for a few years for the Ada Park Relay for Life before helping to start the Relay for Life in Rockford in 2002.

“Participation from schools range from administration, bus garage, sports teams, clubs and every year almost every school is represented with a team from elementary through high school,” Ouellette said. “Our school teams are key to our success for sure.”

Besides being involved while in school, many Rockford graduates then go on to participate at Relay for Life events on their college campuses.

Bringing in new members to the Relay for Life is important to the future, Ouellette said. “The youth have been such a strong and positive aspect of our event. They volunteer at the event, such as help with parking and entertainment, as well as be a part of teams.”

Ouellette said RPS has been involved with the Relay for Life since its inception 10 years ago with the Valley View Elementary team being a part of another Relay before Rockford’s Relay began.

The goals of the Relay for Life are awareness by bringing people to the event and survivors walking the Survivor Lap on the Saturday of the event, which is May 19 this year. The second part is to raise money for the American Cancer Society to find a cure for cancer and to run valuable cancer programs.

“We have spent 10 years in this community that has supported this event from year one. We couldn’t do it without the people,” Ouellette said.

She encouraged area residents to come to the 10th Rockford Relay for Life beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at North Rockford Middle School (NRMS) and going through Saturday afternoon, May 19. The Luminaria is scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday and the Survivors Lap for Saturday.

Dr. Michael Shibler, superintendent of RPS, is impressed with how the schools have supported the Relay for Life but also how the community believes in it.

“More money is raised at Rockford’s Relay for Life than anywhere in the Midwest at times,” Shibler said. “It’s been a successful endeavor. It demonstrates the giving nature of the people who live in this part of the state and those who have been actively involved in organizing this event. Their efforts have paid off. The community has stepped up to support this event for a decade.”

Shibler said throughout RPS not only do the individual schools participate with student and educator teams but the board of education has a team with the City of Rockford as well as the food services staff, the maintenance staff and the transportation departments also organize teams.

Shibler said numerous students also are involved in helping set up for the event at NRMS. “It’s a real collaboration between the schools, the private sector, the public sector and the community at large. This collaboration of everyone working together makes it an extreme success,” he said. “It’s a total community effort.”

Shibler said NRMS was chosen as the location so that the location would be in the city limits to involve the city workers, police and staff in assisting with the event. Parking and the fact that there would not be sport conflicts with the track also were two other reasons that NRMS was chosen.

73rd District State Representative Pete MacGregor presents Dave Heyboer, Chairman of the Friends of the White Pine Trail with a Michigan State Tribute honoring Dave for his unselfish devotion to all things Fred Meijer White Pine Trail. This evening was very special for Dave and he couldn’t help himself while grinning from ear-to-ear.

Last week Thursday evening, the highlight of the monthly Friends of the White Pine Trail meeting at the Rockford Community Cabin was to be a flat bicycle tire repair presentation by Dave Heyboer, Chairman of the 500 member Trail advocacy group.

Unbeknownst to Heyboer, he was about to be upstaged and honored with the presentation of a Tribute from the State of Michigan that had been sponsored by 73^rd District State Representative Peter MacGregor.

Humbled and almost speechless, (a rarity for Heyboer) the honoree listened while MacGregor read, in part, from the tribute as follows:

With the exception of Fred Meijer, no one has been more responsible in making the White Pine Trail, Michigan’s longest linear State Park, what it is today. Mr. Heyboer is a true, “rails to trails” champion, capably handling the demanding and vital responsibilities of establishing a vision, gaining donors and executing plans. We are pleased to join our voice to those of the communities stretching from Grand Rapids, MI to Cadillac, MI, in thanking him for his dedication and honoring his selfless service to our State. This recognition is certainly well deserved.

With a face meant for radio, Dave Heyboer demonstrates how to repair a flat bicycle tire.

Although the “rails” were established long ago, the paving, convenience and safety improvements, and continued maintenance of, are critical to the transformation of the “rails” to “trails”. The hard work, commitment, and innovation of Mr. Heyboer and the “Friends” are major factors in the overall success and continued improvements of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail. The work that Mr. Heyboer has accomplished has made the reputation of the trail possible and provides a model for others to follow.

Under the official seal of the Great State of Michigan, Michigan’s Rep. Peter MacGregor, Senator Mark Jansen, and Gov. Rick Snyder signed the framed tribute with sincere thanks and wishes for continued success in all of Heyboer’s endeavors.

To his good credit Rep. MacGregor has, since being elected to office some 16 months ago, actively sought to recognize constituents who have made a difference in all of our lives. No one is more deserving of this distinctly high honor than Dave Heyboer.

Congratulations Dave from the Rockford Squire and members of the Friends of the White Pine Trail along with linear trail users from near and far. Happy trails to you!

Stephanie Chesley and her staff will be sharing their beautiful facility for this networking event. The evening is a relaxed, open event and free to the public.

Business After Hours allows participants to network with other key people in the business community. Florentines Ristorante & Sports Bar has committed to catering the event and will be providing beverages and appetizers during this exciting opportunity to meet potential new clients.

“Our Business After Hours offers a great opportunity for members to forge new business relationships,” said Jeannie Gregory, executive director of the RCC. “It is also a great way for the host business to showcase what their company offers in the way of merchandise and services. It really is a win-win event for the host and those who participate.”

Networkers will also be able to walk around the store and check out all the telecommunication devices and services that Basic Communications offers for high-speed Internet, cellular services and satellite television. Everyone loves to save money, and visitors can also check into the corporate and employee discounts that Basic Communications offers for Verizon clients.

Participants should be geared up to meet amazing business leaders. The RCC and Basic Communications are looking forward to seeing everyone on May 21. There is no charge to attend Business After Hours. However, in order for Chesley to properly plan for this event, they ask that you RSVP by May 18 at the RCC office. Please call (616) 866-2000 or e-mail to membership@rockfordmichamber.com.

Only days to go to the funnest little fledgling horse event you’ve ever been to. The public is invited to the first ever Blessing of the Wheels at the Village of Cannonsburg Sunday, May 20.

“King of the Village” Don Kurylowicz knew of a local woman, Kim Hart, who was holding an event that would end in an antique carriage ride to Honey Creek Inn for a meal.

“I told her let’s make it a antique carriage parade,” enthused Kurylowicz.

Hart is inviting friends and acquaintances who also have horse-drawn carriages to participate in the parade, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. to run from the intersection of Cannonsburg and Giles roads to the Honey Creek Inn where the wheels—anyone present from the carriages to tricycles and bicycles—will have the wheels blessed by a local priest.

Kurylowicz was excited about the event, which is one of several to take place in the area on that day. In addition to the carriage parade, there is a run at the Cannonsburg State Game Area from noon to 5 p.m. The Michigan Mountain Bike Association is also holding an event close by, beginning at Townsend Park just around the corner.

With so many tourists in the area, Kurylowicz is opening Honey Creek Inn at noon and offering picnic lunch sales at a reasonable price, and also beginning sales of traditional BBQ a week early for Memorial Day celebrations.

“We will have crossing guards and police traffic control,” he stated. “We are expecting local, regional and state dignitaries.”

Kurylowicz invites parade attendees to dress up, dress down or put on a costume. Those with carriages are encouraged to offer a ride to those who have none.

Kurylowicz would love to see all kinds of wheels in the parade in addition to however many antique carriages show up. “Drive your manure spreader if you want to,” he said.

All wheels present will be blessed. Other horse-related events will take place during the day.

“How long has it been since there was a carriage parade in West Michigan?” Don wondered. “Probably a hundred years.”

For more information, check out the event on Facebook.

The contacts occurred at separate locations after the girls went their separate ways and while they were walking near Townsend Park; one girl on 6 Mile Road and the other on Ramsdell Avenue.

The suspect is described as a white male, mid 50s, dark-colored hair with gray roots, unshaven for approximately a week, no glasses. One girl believed he may have a slight southern accent. Unknown clothing. One girl believed he had brown eyes and a crooked tooth on the side.

The vehicle is described as a dirt-white or silver van. One girl believed it was a van style; both thought it was larger than a car. One girl said that it had narrow, longer back-up lights below the brake lights.

Anyone with any additional information is asked to call the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at (616) 336-3113 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

“This is an open invitation to dancers in our surrounding area that are looking to join an education-based dance company,” commented owner, Jen Hanes. “We already have a successful team structure and a core of exceptional talent which we’ve developed with an invitation-only approach. Now, we’ve reached a point in our growth trajectory where we’d love to open our doors, and arms, to welcome motivated dancers into the unique atmosphere we offer at Rhythm.”

What sets RDC apart from other dance studios is the focus on education with a foundational emphasis on strong dance technique. This is very carefully balanced with creative choreography – a philosophy that has been noticed by several judges during the current competition season.

“Judges have provided written feedback, applauding our dancers for being very well-rounded and executing skills across a variety of dance styles,” Hanes said. “We are absolutely committed to providing performance and stage time to our competitive team dancers but we are also dedicated to developing skills that will carry them further – to the collegiate level and beyond. Our environment is carefully crafted to instill positive self-esteem and develop internal strength during these crucial, formative years in a dancer’s young life.”

Hanes knows of which she speaks, having spent the last 26 years of her life pursuing dance. She has a BA Degree in Dance from Western Michigan University and performed professionally with various dance companies in Chicago for more than seven years.  She has been instructing for 16 years.

Dancers wishing to audition simply need to visit the studio, located at 2350 Belmont Center Drive, Suite 500, and complete an application by Wednesday, May 16. The audition schedule will be posted and there is no need to prepare ahead of time.  Dancers will be taught combinations and will then execute in small groups for a panel of judges.  Additional information is available by calling the studio at 365-9970.

RDC is committed to excellence in offering contemporary dance styles and the principal mission is to create a fun, healthy, educational and creative environment for dancers of all ages and skills.

Auxiliary members Dorothy Mills, Sandy Huebner (past president), Jackie Cook (Poppy chairman), Iny Couturier (president), and Sheri VerWey (first vice president) remind America that millions have sacrificed their lives and health to keep our nation strong and free.

Poppy Day is here again. For over 70 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored Poppy Day to remind America that millions have sacrificed their lives and health to keep our nation strong and free.

If you see a “poppy lady,” please remember our heroes, the veterans, past and present, by contributing and receive your red poppy.

Over 900,000 poppies were distributed last year with monies for our veterans. Veteran Richard Jones, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, makes $60 for every thousand he assembles. He can make 500 poppies in four hours. Richard was able to purchase a computer with monies he earned.

When asked how he likes it here, Richard replied, “If I wasn’t here I would be on the streets.” Richard has resided at the home for three years.

The American Legion Auxiliary Post #102 has done a lot with the proceeds to help the veterans, having them attend some of the Post parties like Halloween, Christmas, or for special entertainment. The “Spring Fling” held at the veterans home by the auxiliary provides music, refreshments and dancing for those who are able and also those in wheelchair for a “fling” on the dance floor.

On behalf of America’s veterans, thank you for caring.

The Rockford Squire has shared the news of many generous and caring girls who have donated hair to Locks of Love for those who have lost their hair due to medical treatment. Eric Carey, 12, is the groundbreaking first young man to send the Squire his story of donating. Eric donated two eight-inch ponytails to the charity just before spring break. Great Clips, 5150 Northland Drive cut his hair.

Eric is no stranger to working to help others. The North Rockford Middle School sixth-grade student is in the Community Services Magnet with teachers Pamela Hodges and Jonathan Bates. He also plays soccer in the Ole Soccer Club in Wyoming, Mich.

Eric is the son of Scott Carey and Carol Wagen. His mom said he started growing his hair in fifth grade when he was a student at Roguewood Elementary School. He let it grow mainly because he disliked haircuts. When it started getting long, he decided to let it keep growing to donate to Locks of Love.

“Last year a close friend of the family was diagnosed with brain cancer,” reported Carol.

Eric said the experience of having someone he knew greatly affected his decision to grow his hair out. “I know he probably won’t get my hair, but it still felt good to donate with him in mind,” Eric stated. “I’m just glad to help in any way I can. I’m glad I started when I did so it’s ready now.”

Carol said Eric is a great role model for his brother Lucas, 7, and sister Grace, 6. “He’s always been a supportive, caring big brother.”

The Valley View Elementary School first-grade students were shown the framed copy of the first edition of the Rockford Weekly Register dated February 8, 1871. They were asked the question that usually starts out such tours, “Do you remember where you were in February of 1871?” One alert Tiger Scout responded, “We weren’t even born yet and our moms were probably 20.”