You are here: Home / Archives for Sparta Community

Meadowlark residents enjoy renowned singer

March 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment
On March 24 at 6 p.m. Jon Troast, singer/songwriter, gave a one-hour performance for about 45 residents and family members at Meadowlark Retirement Community. Troast traveled from Nashville, Tenn. to perform this concert. Jon’s website is Jontroast.com. Troast said he used to dislike Mr. Rogers’ song “I Like to Take My Time,” but now has a different attitude. “As funny as it might sound, Mr. Rogers’ message is found in a lot of my songwriting—taking time to notice what’s going on around you, taking time to think about what’s important in life, taking time to enjoy what you have, taking time to ‘do it right.’ It’s been my motto since becoming a full-time musician six years ago,” Troast said. Troast started out playing in coffee shops, bars, churches and other such venues in the Midwest, slowly building his repertoire. He started doing house concerts, such as his visit to Meadowlark, a couple years ago. “You connect with your audience a lot more when you’re singing in front of their fireplace and sleeping on their couch,” said Troast. The idea took off, and Troast has since played in hundreds of homes all over the country, including one extended coast-to-coast tour of 100 concerts in 100 days. He also has performed on National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” Melissa Chambers, director of Porter Hills Retirement Community & Services and Meadowlark, said the concert was very much enjoyed by those who attended. Porter Hills Retirement Community has been recognized as “West Michigan’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For” eight years in a row.

On March 24 at 6 p.m. Jon Troast, singer/songwriter, gave a one-hour performance for about 45 residents and family members at Meadowlark Retirement Community. Troast traveled from Nashville, Tenn. to perform this concert. Jon’s website is Jontroast.com. Troast said he used to dislike Mr. Rogers’ song “I Like to Take My Time,” but now has [...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , ,

Links program breaks down barriers

March 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Links students at Appleview Elementary.

Challenged students get a little help from a friend by BETH ALTENA A program that pairs successful students and those that face learning differences is so successful that teacher Emily Molesta hopes it will become a model for other schools. “Links” at Appleview Elementary in Sparta is a new program that links children with learning [...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

MILITARY

February 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
MN-Sullivan

Sullivan completes basic training Air Force Airman James M. Sullivan recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic [...]

Filed Under: Military Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Faith-based outreach puts food on family tables

January 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Volunteers and recipients are happy to smile for the camera with a generous donation of family dinners for the holidays.

Sparta Mel Trotter mission gives 100 holiday dinners  With Christian-based help all year around for those who struggle, help is perhaps especially appreciated during the holidays, when merriment and gift-giving is not on everyone’s agenda. At the Sparta outreach center and retail store operated by Mel Trotter Ministries, those who struggle financially this year were [...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , ,

Current Issue