CEDAR SPRINGS — Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation is marking a major milestone this summer and is inviting the community to celebrate in a meaningful way. CSAPR will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Monday, June 22, 2026, with a special presentation, “A New Birth of Freedom!” featuring Kevin Wood as Abraham Lincoln. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St. NE in downtown Cedar Springs. The free community event will bring history to life as Wood portrays President Abraham Lincoln, sharing stories from Lincoln’s childhood through his presidency. The performance will highlight the challenges Lincoln overcame and include excerpts from some of his most famous speeches and writings in what organizers describe as an engaging and educational evening. Wood has made more than 2,600 appearances in 39 states, Washington, D.C., and internationally, captivating audiences with his detailed and historically grounded portrayal of the 16th president. The evening also ties into a larger celebration, honoring both CSAPR’s 40 years of serving local families and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event is recommended for ages 8 and up and is limited to the first 250 attendees. While admission is free, donations will be accepted for the Kent Theatre to help continue offering future programming for the community. Organizers say the evening is meant to be both a celebration and a reflection, bringing neighbors together to recognize the past while looking ahead to the future of community programming in Cedar Springs. If you have a chance, come out to the Historic Kent Theatre and watch history come to life in this production. It’s a meaningful way you can support both the CSAPR and the Kent Theatre!

Some weeks pass by, but this week passed the torch. On Thursday morning, we said goodbye to our dear friend Sally Grayvold. For those of you who grew up in Cedar Springs, Sal needs no introduction as she had simply always been there. She taught generations of students, coached, mentored, volunteered with the Women’s Club and the Kent Theatre, and helped establish the historical museum in its earliest days. If something meaningful or memorable was happening in town over the past fifty years, there's a good chance Sally had a hand in it. That same evening, a ribbon was cut at City Hall and dozens of people toured their new facility. Speeches were given that spoke of the town's history and the hope of a bright future. The building has stood since 1929, serving different purposes, and after months of renovation it opened again, carrying its history forward in a refreshed space. People moved through the rooms slowly, pointing out details, sharing memories of what stood when it was last used as a surplus store. One person, I overheard, stating "City Hall feels official now." Friday morning brought a different feel to town. Volunteers gathered along Cedar Creek and in the Heart of Cedar Park. The Community Building Development Team led the effort, continuing work that has been building for some time. There were students out there, working alongside adults, sleeves rolled up, talking and laughing as they filled bags and cleared debris. Multiple generations working toward the same cause. All of this unfolded within hours of each other. As I moved from one event to the next, it was hard not to feel the overlap. A woman whose life was defined by decades of involvement and service to her community. A historic building beginning a new chapter while a similar building sits and awaits the end of its own. A younger generation stepping forward to clean up the creek, park and to help shape what comes next. Cedar Springs is changing. It always has been. The names on the buildings have changed for years, and will continue to do so. People come and go whether they choose to or not. I am constantly grounded by the fact that what carries this town forward is the willingness of its residents to continue investing themselves in it and in each other. Sally did both of those for more than half a century. She poured herself into this community in ways that most of us will never fully see or be able to measure. And the morning after Cedar Springs lost her, there were young people along the creek giving their time to something, even just the idea of something, that will stand long after they graduate. I can't say anyone planned for the symbolism of it, and I won't pretend that I have neatly arranged words for a week like this. Though, life rarely arranges itself that neatly to begin with. In fact, I'm writing today's "Citizen" on Sunday morning, a little behind but still sorting through it all. Standing there throughout the week, though, it felt like witnessing the natural cycle of our small town. My fellow thirty-something year-olds know this as "the circle of life." Be honest, that just sparked a certain movie's musical score, didn't it? I digress. One generation easing back as another steps in. History being preserved in one space while new plans take shape in another. It was a bittersweet week. There was celebration and there was grief. There were handshakes in a renovated building, high fives in the Heart Park, and conversations about a life well lived. This week reminded me that the stories of our town are everywhere. They’re in the energy of high school students volunteering their time. They’re in the quiet pride of a new civic space opening. They’re in the shared grief when we lose a neighbor. And somewhere in the middle of it all was a reminder that Cedar Springs is still very much alive, still growing, still shaped by the people willing to give their time and heart to it. Some weeks pass by, but this week passed the torch.

Sally J. Grayvold age 83 of Sparta died Thursday, May 14, 2026 at U of M Health West. She was born December 26, 1942 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Hugh and Doris (Ruppert) Grannis. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1961 and Central Michigan University in 1965. Sally taught health, art and PE and coached basketball, volleyball and softball. She was a class advisor and mentor to many students. Surviving are her siblings, Sue (Phil) Harrison, Dan (Sally) Grannis, Jon (Venita) Grannis, Dena (Jeff) Wright; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 51 years, Lou; sister, Mary Smith; nieces, Erin Grannis and Katie Ash. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 20 from 6-8 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Thursday 11:00 am. Visitation will begin Thursday 10:00 am. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Historical Society, Cedar Springs Women’s Club or the Kent Theatre.

CEDAR SPRINGS — A few light sprinkles early in the day weren’t enough to keep Cedar Springs residents from rolling up their sleeves Friday morning. Around 75 students from Creative Technologies Academy joined dozens of local volunteers, to take part in the Cedar Creek Cleanup. Spearheaded by the Community Building Development Team (CBDT), and in partnership with the City of Cedar Springs, the Rotary Club, and Creative Technologies Academy, the event brought neighbors together with one simple goal, take care of a place they love. Thanks to a $4,000 Michigan Clean Water Corps Volunteer Stream Cleanup grant awarded to the city, the effort was focused on cleaning approximately 1.5 miles of Cedar Creek and the surrounding banks. Armed with gloves and trash bags, volunteers spread out along the water and the creek banks, collecting litter and removing debris from up to 50 feet of the creek’s edge. Other volunteers, including some from the Rotary Club, worked throughout the Heart of Cedar Springs Park, tidying up around the fountain and refreshing the green space near the community library. By late morning, stacks of trash bags as well as other debris filled a tractor bucket several times over, showing just how much had been accomplished. CTA Students donned waders and compared unusual items they found in the creek, community members chatted as they worked side by side, and plenty of progress was made along the way. “I love seeing the different organizations, businesses, volunteers, students and staff coming together for our community,” said Sue Wolfe of the Community Building Development Team. “Seeing them do their part to clean up, spruce up, and enhance with the new park fixtures.” “That’s why our community is so great,” Wolfe said. Volunteers gathered at the amphitheater before heading out, and enjoyed pizza and refreshments as a thank you for their hard work. The first 70 volunteers even received a small appreciation gift in recognition of their service. By noon, Cedar Creek looked a lot cleaner, the park looked brighter, and Cedar Springs once again proved that when the community comes together, great things happen.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs City Council held public interviews on Thursday, May 7th where they appointed two residents to fill vacant seats on the council. The special meeting marked the very first official council meeting held in the city’s new City Hall, located at 130 W. Muskegon St.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Nearly 200 residents came and went Thursday evening, May 14, for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Cedar Springs’ new City Hall at 130 W. Muskegon St., to celebrate the transformation of a historic 1929 building into a modern civic center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Grand Rapids, MI – Construction Simplified is proud to announce the completion of Cedar Springs' new City Hall and Department of Public Works, marking the successful transformation of a historic 1929 municipal building into a modern, functional civic facility. A public open house will be held Thursday, May 14, from 4:00–6:00 PM, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:00 PM and the first City Council meeting in the new facility at 7:00 PM, celebrating this milestone for the City of Cedar Springs and the community it serves. The approximately 9,000-square-foot project represents a thoughtful approach to adaptive reuse, preserving the building's historic character while delivering the modern infrastructure and functionality required for Cedar Springs' municipal operations. Construction Simplified served as Construction Manager, leading the Design-Build team alongside architect Post Associates to direct preconstruction planning, trade coordination, and schedule management from concept through completion. Jeff Wustman, Project Executive and Partner at Construction Simplified, reflected on the significance of the project. "Working on a historic civic building in the heart of Cedar Springs has been an honor for our team. This project required careful coordination to balance preservation with progress, maintaining the building's historic integrity while creating a space that serves the community's needs for decades to come. We're proud to have partnered with City leadership and our design and trade partners to deliver a facility that reflects Cedar Springs' values and vision." The project involved close collaboration with City leadership, design partner Post Associates, and trade partners to navigate the complexities of adaptive reuse. The team updated the building's core systems and modernized MEP infrastructure while preserving the historic character that defines the structure. Darla Falcon, City Manager for the City of Cedar Springs, shared her enthusiasm for the project's completion. “I’m incredibly grateful to play a role in this exciting new chapter for Cedar Springs. This city hall renovation represents more than a building – it reflects the pride, growth, and future of our community. Choosing Construction Simplified as the construction manager was a great decision. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to quality helped make this renovation a true success for the community!” The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of the new City Hall and the completion of a project designed to serve Cedar Springs residents for years to come. Construction Simplified looks forward to celebrating this achievement alongside the City of Cedar Springs and the community.

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI — Creative Technologies Academy recently welcomed iUnderstand into its 4th grade classrooms for a meaningful visit centered around emotional wellness, connection, and support for students. During the visit, students met Hope, the iUndersantd’s pink heart mascot, who brought encouragement, smiles, hugs, and high fives to the classroom while helping to share their message of love and care. Founder Vonnie Woodrick led thoughtful conversations focused on emotions, kindness, asking for help, and reminding students that they are never alone in navigating difficult feelings. Each student also received a “Cloud Kit,” a collection of tools and resources designed to help children work through feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, and other big emotions in healthy ways. The experience created an opportunity for students to learn that emotions are normal; support is available, and they are deeply cared for by the adults and community around them. “At CTA, we believe supporting students goes beyond academics,” said Autumn Mattson, Superintendent of Creative Technologies Academy. “Creating environments where students feel safe, supported, seen, and valued is incredibly important to us. We are grateful to iUnderstand and Vonnie Woodrick for bringing such a meaningful message of love, hope, and emotional wellness to our students.” CTA continues to prioritize whole-child development by creating opportunities for students and families to engage in conversations surrounding mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. The school extends its gratitude to iUnderstand for investing in students and helping create a culture where care, compassion, and connection are encouraged every day. For more information about Creative Technologies Academy, visit https://www.ctachargers.org/ For more information about iUnderstand, visit https://www.iunderstandloveheals.org/ About Creative Technologies Academy Creative Technologies Academy is a K–12 public charter school located in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Since 1998, CTA has provided a personalized learning experience through small class sizes, strong relationships, and a focus on academic growth. The school partners closely with families to support student success and prepare learners for future opportunities.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Firefighters from four local departments gathered on the evening of May 11 at the Hilltop school building for a joint fire and rescue training designed to strengthen coordination and mutual aid response. Courtesy of Solon Fire Department Participating departments included Cedar Springs, Solon Township, Sand Lake, and Courtland Township. The training focused on interior fire attack, VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search) operations, and controlled wall breaching techniques. Firefighters operated in smoke-simulated, low-visibility conditions while practicing hose deployment, thermal imaging camera (TIC) usage, coordinated search efforts, and victim removal. One scenario simulated a lower-level classroom fire in a school setting, where crews advanced a hose line to a basement stairwell before attacking the seat of the fire. Another evolution required firefighters to breach interior walls to access and remove a simulated victim when primary exits were obstructed. Courtesy of Solon Fire Department Safety remained the top priority throughout the exercise, with full protective equipment required and instructors overseeing all operations. Cedar Springs Fire Captain Greg Seely said the training was valuable for all agencies involved. “We had a great turnout. It was a great training and experience for all our agencies. It helped to solidify and strengthen the bond between the fire departments in our area that we would be calling on for mutual aid. We are grateful to Cedar Springs Schools for letting us use the Hilltop building for this training.” The remaining departments also extended their thanks to Cedar Springs Public Schools for providing the facility. Courtesy of Solon Fire Department Captain Seely went on to say joint trainings like this ensure firefighters are prepared to work seamlessly together when real emergencies occur, helping keep the community safe.

There was a time when being social required leaving the house. No, this is not a lecture or a walk down memory lane. Although, sometimes it helps to remember how we used to do things, if only to see what has changed. Leaving the house wasn't for an event necessarily, nor for something formal. Sometimes, it was just to stop by. People would visit in the evenings without much notice. A car in the driveway meant someone was home and likely willing to receive company. Generally, coffee was poured, chairs were pulled up, and conversation unfolded without anyone checking the time (or their phones) every few minutes. You remember those days, right?. I remember my mom and my grandma both always seeming ready for that kind of visit. There was usually a cake on the counter or something sweet tucked under a glass dome. This wasn't because someone had announced they were coming, but simply because someone might. Hospitality felt less scheduled then. It was less planned and more "open door." Somewhere along the way society shifted. We still connect, technically. We comment, we react, we message, we text. We even keep up with birthdays...mainly because Facebook doesn't let us forget. We even keep up with vacations and graduations, although mostly through a screen and squeezed between other tasks. Even phone calls have started to feel like an interruption instead of a welcome sound. According to a 2023 study, people now consider phone calls to be too time consuming, something that should be replaced with a quicker message. In an ever expedient world, even conversation, in many ways, has been streamlined. Efficient? Perhaps. But noticeably thinner and lacking depth. It used to be normal to sit across from someone and let a story take its time. To hear the pauses, the laughter, the change in tone. We would disagree gently and work through it in real time, knowing there is another human behind the argument. Now it often feels as though communication is something to get through rather than settle into. We answer when it is convenient. We ignore when it's not. This is, of course, not to point fingers. I'm every bit as guilty as any at conveniently "missing" a call. Social media promises connection, and in the most literal way, it delivers it. We know more about each other’s daily lives than previous generations ever did about theirs. But knowing about someone is not the same as sitting with them and getting to know them. A photograph of a birthday cake is not the same as sharing a slice at the kitchen table. I don't think this shift happened all at once, and I don't think it came from bad intentions. Life is busy. Schedules are full. Convenience has its appeal. It is easier to send a message than to make a call, easier to scroll than to knock on a door. In fact, showing up unannounced and knocking on a door would feel out of place these days. Still, I wonder what we have unintentionally given up. We have moved from a culture that felt ready to receive to one that often signals, gently but clearly, "keep your distance." A visit now requires notice. A call may need a text first to ask if it is a good time. Even our conversations seem to come with boundaries. And yet, I don't think the desire for real connection has disappeared. I think it has just been buried under habit. Maybe it starts small. Maybe it starts with a phone call that lasts longer than necessary. Or maybe coffee with a neighbor that isn't rushed. Maybe it means a cake baked not because someone confirmed they were coming, but because they might. Nevertheless, being social once meant being available. Not always, necessarily, but openly. Perhaps the most radical thing we could do now is open the door again.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Downtown Cedar Springs is gearing up to welcome shoppers tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, for the 3rd Annual Mother's Day Sip and Shop Hop. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises a full day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating moms throughout the downtown district. Billed as a celebration "for the love of Mom and Coffee," this year's Sip and Shop is taking on a fresh format. In previous years, organizers worked to include local restaurants with space for vendors, but the new approach shifts the focus directly to downtown's brick-and-mortar businesses. Participating retailers will be offering coffee, tea, and other beverages (depending on location) for shoppers to enjoy as they browse, along with Mother's Day sales, activities, and giveaways. Locally Crafted Coffee Takes Center Stage A highlight of this year's event is the lineup of locally roasted coffees being served at participating shops: The Cedar Chest Resale Shop, at 61 N. Main, will be serving locally crafted Red Flannel Coffee Co., featuring the return of their very popular Costa Rican single origin, The Old Hilltop. Named by the company's founder, who grew up playing in the Hilltop schoolyard, the blend is making a timely comeback as the historic school marks its centennial year ahead of its planned demolition. Perry's Place LLC at 90 N. Main will be pouring coffee from Hermann's Boy, in addition to offering a wide selection of tea. "It gives a 'fresh brewed' aspect on the event." said event organizer, Perry Hopkins. "Come out and do some sipping and shopping, then brew up some more excitement live on stage as the Koinonia Players present 'In His Steps' which will be performed at the historic Kent Theatre at 1pm and 7pm." The Rustic Roof at 6 S. Main will be featuring Hub Coffee for shoppers to sip while they browse. Participating Businesses Shoppers can look forward to visiting the following downtown businesses (and possibly more) during the event: - Cedar Chest Resale Shop - Cookies Collectible and Sundries - Cozy Reflections LLC - Daniel J Reynolds Jeweler - Fisher Law (including Broom Closet Art) - Found and Forged LLC - Perry's Place LLC - Quick Water Coffee - The Rustic Roof Plan Your Visit If you're shopping for the perfect Mother's Day gift, treating Mom to a day out, or just looking to enjoy a great cup of locally roasted coffee while supporting small businesses, the Mother's Day Sip and Shop has something for everyone. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and spend the day shopping and dining in Downtown Cedar Springs!

CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — The City of Cedar Springs has been awarded a $4,000 grant through the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program to support the upcoming Cedar Creek Cleanup event scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026. The grant will help fund a volunteer cleanup effort focused on removing trash and non-natural debris from approximately 1.5 miles of Cedar Creek and surrounding banks within 50 feet of the water’s edge. The City of Cedar Springs partnered with the Community Building Development Team (CBDT), Cedar Springs Rotary Club, and Creative Technologies Academy to develop the successful grant proposal and coordinate the community cleanup effort. “We are incredibly grateful to Michigan Clean Water Corps for investing in our community and the many community partners that have dedicated their time and resources to ensure this project is successful. Cedar Creek is a defining part of our community, and this project gives residents an opportunity to come together to protect and enhance one of our most valued natural resources” said Rebecca Johnson, Assistant City Manager for the City of Cedar Springs. The cleanup event is expected to bring together volunteers from across the community, including students, civic organizations, local businesses, and residents. Volunteers will assist with removing litter, and debris from the creek and surrounding banks. Volunteers should meet at the Heart of Cedar Springs Park, located at 37 Maple Street, Cedar Springs, Michigan, 49319 from 9:00AM-Noon. As part of the event, volunteers will be provided with pizza and refreshments following the cleanup. In addition, the first 70 volunteers to arrive will receive a volunteer appreciation gift in recognition of their service to the community. Project goals for the Cedar Creek Cleanup include: • Recruiting at least 75 volunteers • Removing at least 50 pounds of trash and debris • Collecting at least 20 bags of litter • Properly disposing of all materials identified during the cleanup • Cleaning approximately 1.5 miles of creek and surrounding banks Funding for the Volunteer Stream cleanup program is provided in part by Water Quality License plate fees. For more information, contact: Sue Wolfe, CBDT (Project Coordinator) at (616)696-8432 or Rebecca Johnson, Assistant City Manager at (616)696-1330.